The literature cites several recurrent barriers that contribute to the under-utilization of patient lifting devices (PLDs) by caregivers (CGs), resulting in the profession being at high-risk for musculoskeletal injury. There is considerable evidence that training is a barrier to PLD use, due to the staff shortages and time constraints that result when CGs attend (provincially mandated) off-site hands-on practical training. Therefore, the current research program aims to contribute towards a better understanding of the barriers to the chronic concern of low PLD use by CGs, and, to evaluate an alternative approach that could be used to reduce the time CGs spend off the floor and enhance musculoskeletal health and well-being. Study 1 will conduct focus groups and administer a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based questionnaire to better understand the barriers between (a) CGs’ knowledge (training/education) and intent to use PLDs, and (b) CGs’ intent to use PLDs and actual PLD use (i.e., behaviour). Also, patients and their family members will be interviewed to better understand the role of the patient as a potential barrier to PLD use. Study 2 will conduct focus groups with: (i) hospital staff who design, develop and deliver PLD training programs, (ii) unit managers, and (iii) new CG hires. Via questionnaire, Preceptors will evaluate the impact of the barrier subcategories identified on the perceived overall effectiveness of a PLD training program. Study 3 will explore the feasibility of implementing vicarious learning through observation (two intervention groups) as an effective alternative to off-site hands-on learning (control group) for new CG hires, with Preceptors evaluating the three groups’ effectiveness via a questionnaire. It is hypothesized that (a) training is an important barrier to the under-utilization of PLDs by CGs (Study 1), (b) there is a need for an effective alternative to off-site hands-on learning that does not remove CGs from units (Study 2), and (c) vicarious learning through observation is as effective as hands-on learning for the utilization of PLDs by new CG hires. / Thesis / Master of Science in Kinesiology

Background: Firefighters have a high risk of injuries or illnesses, which can result in workplace absences. Considering the unique occupational context of firefighting, firefighters may require unique disability management strategies to promote a successful and timely return-to-work. Objectives: To explore the facilitators, barriers and complexities of return-to-work for firefighters, and the current strategies used to promote return-to-work for firefighters. We also explored generic return-to-work strategies as they are applicable to all occupations. Methods: For the integrative review, we searched databases, grey literature and online resources to identify strategies, facilitators and barriers of return-to-work for firefighters. We used qualitative methods for the other studies, including interviews about return-to-work processes. For second and third studies, we used interpretive descriptions to analyze the interviews with disability management professionals. For the fourth study, we used qualitative descriptive methods to analyze the interviews with career firefighters. Results: We identified return-to-work strategies barriers for firefighters from our review including occupation-specific exercises and return-to-work readiness assessments. For the second study, disability management professionals discussed the need for accurate medical documentation and communication with stakeholders to identify suitable modified duties and return-to-work plans. In the third study, disability management professionals identified that firefighters required standard and firefighter-specific return-to-work principles, including prioritizing the recovery process over a timely return to modified duties. In the fourth study, firefighters agreed that rehabilitation was important because they must be physically able to perform their firefighting tasks. Firefighters disliked sedentary modified duties. Conclusions: The return-to-work process for firefighters may be complex due to their unique occupational context, and disability management professionals should implement occupation-specific strategies with standard strategies. It is important for disability management personnel who are not aware of the unique occupational context of firefighting to collaborate with firefighters to identify firefighter-specific return-to-work strategies. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Firefighters have dangerous and demanding jobs. They have a high risk of injury or mental health issues. Firefighters might need to take time off work when they are not feeling well. The goal of my thesis is to identify strategies used to promote a safe return-to-work for firefighters. The four studies found both generic and firefighter-specific strategies were used to help firefighters return-to-work. Doing modified tasks at work promotes a faster return-to-work, but firefighters do not like the desk work assigned to them. Boring desk work can cause firefighters to go back to their firefighting work before they are recovered, causing re-injury. Recovery is important as firefighters need to be physically able to do their dangerous work. Firefighters need job-specific rehabilitation to recover from their injuries. It might be harder to get firefighters with mental health issues to return-to-work. Disability managers should use gradual plans to avoid triggers in the workplace. We recommend that disability management professionals work with firefighters to identify creative solutions to help plan return-to-work, using a mix of generic and firefighter-specific strategies.

Lesões musculoesqueléticas são a principal causa de perda econômica na indústria do cavalo de corrida. Levantamentos epidemiológicos sobre lesões e acidentes ocorridos durante a corrida e os treinamentos dentro dos Jockey Clubes e centros de treinamento têm sido realizados mundialmente. Em geral, encontram-se diferenças regionais nos padrões dessas lesões. O Serviço de Veterinária do Jockey Club do Rio Grande do Sul é responsável por realizar a avaliação e liberação clínica dos animais antes de cada prova. Animais não aptos a participar da corrida são submetidos ao “forfait” veterinário. Com o objetivo de identificar as principais alterações que afetaram os cavalos durante os treinamentos de corrida foi feita a avaliação dos registros veterinários de “forfait” do Jockey Club do Rio Grande do Sul. Além disso, objetivou-se também verificar a influência de fatores como idade e gênero do cavalo e a estação do ano sobre a frequência e distribuição das alterações musculoesqueléticas. Foram analisados 1940 registros de forfait veterinário entre os anos de 1999 e 2009. Realizou-se uma análise epidemiológica analítica descritiva através de uma estatística não paramétrica além de uma análise estatística de correspondência múltipla a fim de verificar a associação das variáveis envolvidas na frequência das lesões. Do total de alterações registradas, 69% (1338) estavam relacionadas ao sistema musculoesquelético e as afecções mais incidentes foram localizadas nos membros torácicos que corresponderam por mais de 79,23% do total enquanto que as alterações localizadas nos membros pélvicos responderam por 14,72% do total de alterações musculoesqueléticas. Alterações musculares e de coluna contribuíram com 6,05% do total. As afecções mais frequentes (p<0,05) foram as da articulação metacarpofalangeana, seguidas pelas afecções do carpo e casco. Houve significativa influência (p<0,05) da faixa etária na maior parte das alterações avaliadas, sendo o maior número de alterações observada em cavalos de 3 anos de idade. Foi constatado que o gênero também influiu significativamente em algumas alterações, sendo os machos mais acometidos. Por sua vez, as estações do ano também apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo no inverno a maior ocorrência de “forfait” veterinário por alterações musculoesqueléticas. / Musculoskeletal injuries are the major cause of economic loss in the horse racing industry. Epidemiological surveys on injuries and accidents during the race and training within the Jockey Club and training centers have been conducted worldwide. In general, are regional differences in the patterns of these lesions. There are some peculiarities in the training of race horses as the work on the lane, early in the life of animals and intensity of athletic training. The Veterinary Service Commission Racing of the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul is responsible for performing the clinical evaluation and release of animals prior to each event. Animals not able to participate in the race are subject to "forfait" veterinarian. In order to identify the main changes that affected horses during training race was made the evaluation of veterinary records of "forfait" the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul also aimed to also check the influence of factors such as age, gender of the horse and the season on the frequency and distribution of musculoskeletal abnormalities. We analyzed 1940 records of veterinary “forfait” between the years 1999 and 2009. There was a descriptive analysis by analytical epidemiological a non-parametric statistics and a statistical analysis of multiple correspondence to verify the association of the variables involved in the frequency of lesions. The total changes recorded, 69% (1338) were related to musculoskeletal disorders and more incidents were found in the forelimbs, which corresponded for more than 79% of the total while the localized changes in the hindlimbs accounted for 14% of total musculoskeletal abnormalities. Muscle disorders and column contributed 6% of the total. The most frequent diseases (p <0.05) were the metacarpophalangeal joint, followed by disorders of the carpus and hull. There was a significant influence (p <0.05) of age most of the changes evaluated, with the largest number of changes observed in horses 3 years old. It was found that gender also significantly influenced in some changes, with males being more affected. In turn, the seasons also showed significant differences, and in winter the greater occurrence of "winter holidays" vet for musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Lesões musculoesqueléticas são a principal causa de perda econômica na indústria do cavalo de corrida. Levantamentos epidemiológicos sobre lesões e acidentes ocorridos durante a corrida e os treinamentos dentro dos Jockey Clubes e centros de treinamento têm sido realizados mundialmente. Em geral, encontram-se diferenças regionais nos padrões dessas lesões. O Serviço de Veterinária do Jockey Club do Rio Grande do Sul é responsável por realizar a avaliação e liberação clínica dos animais antes de cada prova. Animais não aptos a participar da corrida são submetidos ao “forfait” veterinário. Com o objetivo de identificar as principais alterações que afetaram os cavalos durante os treinamentos de corrida foi feita a avaliação dos registros veterinários de “forfait” do Jockey Club do Rio Grande do Sul. Além disso, objetivou-se também verificar a influência de fatores como idade e gênero do cavalo e a estação do ano sobre a frequência e distribuição das alterações musculoesqueléticas. Foram analisados 1940 registros de forfait veterinário entre os anos de 1999 e 2009. Realizou-se uma análise epidemiológica analítica descritiva através de uma estatística não paramétrica além de uma análise estatística de correspondência múltipla a fim de verificar a associação das variáveis envolvidas na frequência das lesões. Do total de alterações registradas, 69% (1338) estavam relacionadas ao sistema musculoesquelético e as afecções mais incidentes foram localizadas nos membros torácicos que corresponderam por mais de 79,23% do total enquanto que as alterações localizadas nos membros pélvicos responderam por 14,72% do total de alterações musculoesqueléticas. Alterações musculares e de coluna contribuíram com 6,05% do total. As afecções mais frequentes (p<0,05) foram as da articulação metacarpofalangeana, seguidas pelas afecções do carpo e casco. Houve significativa influência (p<0,05) da faixa etária na maior parte das alterações avaliadas, sendo o maior número de alterações observada em cavalos de 3 anos de idade. Foi constatado que o gênero também influiu significativamente em algumas alterações, sendo os machos mais acometidos. Por sua vez, as estações do ano também apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo no inverno a maior ocorrência de “forfait” veterinário por alterações musculoesqueléticas. / Musculoskeletal injuries are the major cause of economic loss in the horse racing industry. Epidemiological surveys on injuries and accidents during the race and training within the Jockey Club and training centers have been conducted worldwide. In general, are regional differences in the patterns of these lesions. There are some peculiarities in the training of race horses as the work on the lane, early in the life of animals and intensity of athletic training. The Veterinary Service Commission Racing of the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul is responsible for performing the clinical evaluation and release of animals prior to each event. Animals not able to participate in the race are subject to "forfait" veterinarian. In order to identify the main changes that affected horses during training race was made the evaluation of veterinary records of "forfait" the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul also aimed to also check the influence of factors such as age, gender of the horse and the season on the frequency and distribution of musculoskeletal abnormalities. We analyzed 1940 records of veterinary “forfait” between the years 1999 and 2009. There was a descriptive analysis by analytical epidemiological a non-parametric statistics and a statistical analysis of multiple correspondence to verify the association of the variables involved in the frequency of lesions. The total changes recorded, 69% (1338) were related to musculoskeletal disorders and more incidents were found in the forelimbs, which corresponded for more than 79% of the total while the localized changes in the hindlimbs accounted for 14% of total musculoskeletal abnormalities. Muscle disorders and column contributed 6% of the total. The most frequent diseases (p <0.05) were the metacarpophalangeal joint, followed by disorders of the carpus and hull. There was a significant influence (p <0.05) of age most of the changes evaluated, with the largest number of changes observed in horses 3 years old. It was found that gender also significantly influenced in some changes, with males being more affected. In turn, the seasons also showed significant differences, and in winter the greater occurrence of "winter holidays" vet for musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Lesões musculoesqueléticas são a principal causa de perda econômica na indústria do cavalo de corrida. Levantamentos epidemiológicos sobre lesões e acidentes ocorridos durante a corrida e os treinamentos dentro dos Jockey Clubes e centros de treinamento têm sido realizados mundialmente. Em geral, encontram-se diferenças regionais nos padrões dessas lesões. O Serviço de Veterinária do Jockey Club do Rio Grande do Sul é responsável por realizar a avaliação e liberação clínica dos animais antes de cada prova. Animais não aptos a participar da corrida são submetidos ao “forfait” veterinário. Com o objetivo de identificar as principais alterações que afetaram os cavalos durante os treinamentos de corrida foi feita a avaliação dos registros veterinários de “forfait” do Jockey Club do Rio Grande do Sul. Além disso, objetivou-se também verificar a influência de fatores como idade e gênero do cavalo e a estação do ano sobre a frequência e distribuição das alterações musculoesqueléticas. Foram analisados 1940 registros de forfait veterinário entre os anos de 1999 e 2009. Realizou-se uma análise epidemiológica analítica descritiva através de uma estatística não paramétrica além de uma análise estatística de correspondência múltipla a fim de verificar a associação das variáveis envolvidas na frequência das lesões. Do total de alterações registradas, 69% (1338) estavam relacionadas ao sistema musculoesquelético e as afecções mais incidentes foram localizadas nos membros torácicos que corresponderam por mais de 79,23% do total enquanto que as alterações localizadas nos membros pélvicos responderam por 14,72% do total de alterações musculoesqueléticas. Alterações musculares e de coluna contribuíram com 6,05% do total. As afecções mais frequentes (p<0,05) foram as da articulação metacarpofalangeana, seguidas pelas afecções do carpo e casco. Houve significativa influência (p<0,05) da faixa etária na maior parte das alterações avaliadas, sendo o maior número de alterações observada em cavalos de 3 anos de idade. Foi constatado que o gênero também influiu significativamente em algumas alterações, sendo os machos mais acometidos. Por sua vez, as estações do ano também apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo no inverno a maior ocorrência de “forfait” veterinário por alterações musculoesqueléticas. / Musculoskeletal injuries are the major cause of economic loss in the horse racing industry. Epidemiological surveys on injuries and accidents during the race and training within the Jockey Club and training centers have been conducted worldwide. In general, are regional differences in the patterns of these lesions. There are some peculiarities in the training of race horses as the work on the lane, early in the life of animals and intensity of athletic training. The Veterinary Service Commission Racing of the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul is responsible for performing the clinical evaluation and release of animals prior to each event. Animals not able to participate in the race are subject to "forfait" veterinarian. In order to identify the main changes that affected horses during training race was made the evaluation of veterinary records of "forfait" the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul also aimed to also check the influence of factors such as age, gender of the horse and the season on the frequency and distribution of musculoskeletal abnormalities. We analyzed 1940 records of veterinary “forfait” between the years 1999 and 2009. There was a descriptive analysis by analytical epidemiological a non-parametric statistics and a statistical analysis of multiple correspondence to verify the association of the variables involved in the frequency of lesions. The total changes recorded, 69% (1338) were related to musculoskeletal disorders and more incidents were found in the forelimbs, which corresponded for more than 79% of the total while the localized changes in the hindlimbs accounted for 14% of total musculoskeletal abnormalities. Muscle disorders and column contributed 6% of the total. The most frequent diseases (p <0.05) were the metacarpophalangeal joint, followed by disorders of the carpus and hull. There was a significant influence (p <0.05) of age most of the changes evaluated, with the largest number of changes observed in horses 3 years old. It was found that gender also significantly influenced in some changes, with males being more affected. In turn, the seasons also showed significant differences, and in winter the greater occurrence of "winter holidays" vet for musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Background: A triathlon comprises of a combination of swimming, cycling and running. Triathlons are usually classified as sprint distance, Olympic distance, and Ironman or ultra-distance. Triathlon was popularized in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and, despite this, there is insufficient data relating to injuries in the South African context. This study aimed to determine the injury profile of amateur and semi-professional Kwa-Zulu Natal triathletes. Methods: This Institutional Research Board approved, cross sectional study, included 80 active members of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Triathlon Association. All triathletes completed a questionnaire on training and injury profiles; with only those having had a musculoskeletal complaint additionally completing a clinical consultation. In order to assess associations between presence of injury and explanatory variables, binary logistic regression using backward selection based on likelihood ratios was used. Data was described using frequency tables for categorical data and summary statistics for continuous data. Odds ratios was reported and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. For triathletes reporting injuries, linear regression was used for factors associated with injury severity. Results: Fifty seven triathletes responded giving a response rate of 71% (68% male, 32% female). The point and period (year) prevalence of triathlon-related musculoskeletal pain was 17.5% and 68.4% respectively. The ranking of the most common site of injury in the last 12 months included the knee (64%), low back (21%) and thigh (18%); with females having had a significantly higher risk of injury than males (p=.019). Additionally, injury risk also increased with weight (p=.055), number of triathlons undertaken in the previous year (p=.031), number of triathlons in the last 4 months (p=.009) and running distance during competition times (p=.011). Injury risk decreased with increasing distance of cycling (p=.061) and swimming (p=.030) in a competition, and length of training in- and off-season (p=.105 and p=.043 respectively). Strong trends were demonstrated between injury severity and long-slow training distance (p=.006) and weight (p=.006). By contrast to risk of injury, injury severity was negatively associated with weight, while a long-slow distance was positively associated with the severity of the injury. Of all the health professions, chiropractic was the most utilized health profession. Conclusion and recommendations: The results concur with previous research, but add insights into factors predisposing triathletes to injury. The most common injuries require investigation to develop preventative interventions to reduce injuries in triathletes. Health professionals require education about triathlon-related injuries to improve preventative and curative interventions.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Background: Tennis is one of the most popular sports globally with over 75 million players around the world. Most studies have focused on junior or elite level players although the majority of players around the world are presumed to be recreational/non-professional players. To date, limited research is available pertaining to the epidemiology of tennis related musculoskeletal in non-professional league tennis players in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the profile of musculoskeletal injuries amongst league tennis players in the northern eThekwini region. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, developed specifically for this research utilizing an expert group and pilot study. The questionnaire contained sections on demographics, tennis history, training and nutrition, court surface and equipment as well as a section on tennis related musculoskeletal injuries. Risk factors for injury were first tested using chi square tests in the case of categorical variables, and t-tests in the case of continuous variables. In order to assess the relationship between injury and potential risk factors for injury, a binary logistic regression using backward selection based on likelihood ratios was used. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the variables remaining in the model at the end were reported. A p value <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results: Eighty league tennis players responded giving a response rate of 70.16%. The period prevalence, and the point prevalence of tennis related musculoskeletal injury was 68.75% and 36.25% respectively. A predominance of injuries to the upper extremity were recorded (49%) compared to the lower extremity (27.5%) and the back and trunk (23.5%). The elbow was the most common anatomical site of injury (21.4%) followed by the shoulder (19.4%), the lumbar spine (17.3%) and the knee (8.2%). Age was considered to be a risk factor for injury (p=0.049) as older players in the study (49.32 (17.547) years of age) were less likely to contract an injury than younger players (48.38 (13.210) years of age). The likelihood of injury decreased with a higher Body Mass Index (p=0.042). The relationship between consumption of spirit alcohol and injury was significant (p=0.043). Ex-smokers had a higher chance of contracting an injury (p=0.013). It was also found that those who cycled weekly were less likely to contract an injury (p=0.040). Conclusion: The results concur with other studies on recreational/non-professional tennis players and add insight into risk factors predisposing this population to injury. Health care practitioners need to understand the risk factors for injury in this population so that players can be better managed. Using the results of the study, an injury prevention strategy such as a strength and conditioning program, needs to be implemented with the goal to reduce or prevent common injuries in this population of players. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology, Department of Chiropractic and Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Background: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a contact sport that has grown in popularity worldwide. MMA has been shown to be an activity that generates a high volume of injuries in its participants, especially when subjected to particular factors that are known to carry high risk in contact sports. Limited research has been conducted concerning the risk for injury development in MMA, with no South African statistics being produced to date. This study aims to bridge this gap. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries in Mixed Martial Arts athletes in the greater Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal. Method: This study was a prospective, quantitative survey that sampled 105 MMA athletes from 16 accredited gyms in the greater Durban area. The information captured from the questionnaires enabled compilation of a fighter profile, training profile and injury profile assessing injuries present at the time of data collection and a history of injuries over a 12 month period. Data was analysed with SPSS version 23.0. Inferential techniques included the use of correlations and chi square test values, displayed as p-values and Eta scores. Relationships were considered significant with a p-value of <0.05 and an effect size of >0.23. Results: A 91% response rate was achieved with 83.3% male and 16.2% female participation. Overall, the most commonly injured areas were the upper extremity (36.5%), followed by the lower extremity (34.3%), spine (14.2%), head (8.6%) and trunk (6.5%) regions. In terms of single areas, the most common injuries were to the shoulder (30.9%), knee (29.2%) and elbow (14.4%). The most common injury types were joint sprains (31.1%), muscle strains (20.7%) and ligament tears (18.6%). The most common injury mechanisms were being struck (16.1%), falling (15.7%) and striking an opponent (13.6%). Participants were unsure of the mechanism of their injuries in 7.5% of the injury reports. The number of days missed from training due to injury ranged from zero to 270 days of incapacitation. Risk factors for injury were significant for favoring the dominant hand while fighting (p = 0.011), flexibility training/ stretching (p = 0.019), ground arm-bars (p = 0.014), ground strangles (p = 0.028), groundwork holds/pins (p = 0.028), falling (p = 0.006), increased age (η = 0,619) and increased body weight (η = 0.706). Participation in CrossFit as an additional sport/ conditioning program was a protective factor against injuries (p = 0.007). Conclusion and recommendations: Favouring one side, falling, stretching, arm-bars, strangles, pins and increasing weight are some of the largely modifiable risk factors that play an important role in the development of injuries in MMA athletes. Coaches and their athletes will benefit from adapting training strategies to reduce injury rates from over-exposure to activities that present a high risk of injury as well as by furthering the extent of exposure to conditioning. / M

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a high injury rate in the lower extremities among military recruits. A correlation has been shown between female gender or a low level of physical activity prior to basic military training and a higher risk of injury. AIM: To investigate the self-reported injury rate in the lower extremities among Swedish recruits and the difference in injury rate between men and women. Another aim was to investigate correlation between self-reported injury rate in the lower extremities and self-reported physical activity, and to study this correlation for both men and women. METHOD: A quantitative study with a prospective, descriptive, comparative and correlative design. Data from two different questionnaires were answered by 177 recruits. RESULTS: 26% of the recruits reported injury in lower extremities after completing the basic training. There was a significant difference (p=0.006) in self-reported injury between female and male recruits. The level of prior physical activity and the injury rate amongst the recruits had a low correlation. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a high injury rate among Swedish recruits, especially among the female recruits. No correlation between self-reported physical activity and the injury rate in lower extremities was found. / BAKGRUND: Tidigare studier visar på hög skadeprevalens i nedre extremiteter hos militära rekryter under grundläggande militär utbildning. Samband har setts mellan kvinnligt kön eller låg fysisk aktivitetsnivå före utbildningsstart och ökad skaderisk. SYFTE: Undersöka den självrapporterade skade-/besvärsprevalensen i nedre extremitet hos svenska rekryter efter avslutad grundläggande militär utbildning (GMU), samt studera skillnader mellan könen i detta avseende. Syftet var också att undersöka sambandet mellan självrapporterad fysisk aktivitetsnivå inför GMU och skade-/besvärsprevalensen i nedre extremiteter efter genomförd utbildning samt studera sambandet för män respektive kvinnor. METOD: En kvantitativ studie med prospektiv, deskriptiv, komparativ och korrelerande design. Data från två olika enkäter besvarades av 177 rekryter. RESULTAT: 26% av rekryterna rapporterade skada/besvär i nedre extremitet vid avslutad utbildning. Signifikant skillnad (p=0,006) kunde ses i självrapporterad skade-/besvärsprevalens mellan kvinnliga (42%) och manliga (21%) rekryter. Nivå av fysisk aktivitet och skade-/besvärsprevalensen hos rekryterna hade inget signifikant samband och låg korrelation. KONKLUSION: Resultaten tyder på hög skadeprevalens inom GMU, framförallt hos kvinnliga rekryter. Något samband mellan självskattad nivå av fysisk aktivitetsnivå och skade-/besvärsprevalens i nedre extremitet fanns inte hos rekryterna. Sambandet fanns varken för män eller kvinnor på gruppnivå.