The prospective association between psychological strengths and incident musculoskeletal injury in active duty Army soldiers.

ABSTRACT

Extensive training, overuse, overexertion, and repetitive movements put Soldiers at increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). The present study investigated the prospective association between psychological strengths, physiological and social factors, and non-combat-related MSI in a sample of 24,746 active duty Army Soldiers. Over a mean follow-up period of 21.07 months (SD = 16.07), 65.42% of the Soldiers examined were treated for an MSI. Applying survival analysis techniques and adjusting for relevant physiological and social factors, we found greater baseline Optimism, Positive Affect, Coping, and Adaptability were each associated with a modest reduction in risk of MSI (4-8%). Additionally, being older, female, married, and having a higher BMI were each associated with an increased MSI risk, whereas being an officer (relative to enlisted) and obtaining post-secondary education were each associated with a decreased MSI risk. Future research should examine the mechanisms through which psychological-based interventions may impact Soldiers' risk of MSI.