The Korean Marine Corps enlistees endure tremendous physical and mental stress during basic military training, resulting in an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and type of the musculoskeletal injury problems and the risk factors associated with injuries among the Marine Corps recruits and to suggest preventive measures.

The study subjects were the Marine Corps recruits (n=8,231) who were enlisted from July, 2008 to March, 2009 for basic military training. We used a prospective cohort design and collected basic demographic information and subject musculoskeletal injury risk factors through a questionnaire on the first day basic training. The subjects were followed for the subsequent 6-week military training period.

The cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was 13.4% during the 6-week training period, and more than half of the injuries involved the lower limbs at or below the level of the knee. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the following factors were related to an elevated risk for injuries: age, height, educational level, subjective health perception, injury history during the past year, and stress scale after entrance.

Based on our study results, the application of injury prevention measures such as stress management program and gradual fitness increasing program to the Marine Corps recruit training would contribute to the reduction of musculoskeletal injuries.