Footwear in the United States Army Band: injury incidence and risk factors associated with foot pain.

BACKGROUND

Footwear characteristics can influence, fatigue, comfort, injuries and energy cost. Members of the United States Army Band have hundreds of performances a year and these performances often include prolonged standing and marching in footwear.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this paper are to: (1) determine injury rates before and after wearing a shoe with presumed greater cushioning and ventilation among US Army Band members, and (2) identify risk factors associated with foot pain/discomfort.

METHODS

To potentially reduce injuries and improve comfort, 112 band members received shoes with an advertised increase in cushioning and ventilation.

RESULTS

Injury incidence determined from medical records was 55% in the year before and 57% in the year during which band members wore the new shoes (p = 0.78). Higher risk of foot pain was associated with band unit (odds ratio (OR(Ceremonial unit/other units) = 8.6), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-60.2), shoe cushioning rating (OR(poor/good) = 11.8, 95% CI: 1.5-89.7), orthotic use (OR(yes/no) = 18.5, 95% CI: 2.9-120.3), and how often band members replaced their shoes (OR(≤1 year/>2 years) = 11.5, 95% CI: 1.4-95.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The new shoes did not lower injury incidence, although specific risk factors associated with foot pain/discomfort were identified. To potentially increase the cushioning and comfort, insoles may be considered.