• Leho Rips, Madis Rahu, Rein Kuik, Ahti Varblane, Indrek Olveti, Vahur Ööpik, Hanno Mölder, Saima Timpmann, Marika Tammaru, Alar Toom, Jüri-Toomas Kartus, and Helena Gapeyeva.
• Sports Traumatology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Puusepa 1a, Tartu 50406.
• Mil Med. 2020 Aug 14; 185 (7-8): e1134-e1139.

IntroductionDespite the great number of investigations on the effects of injuries during military service, there is limited information available on the use of self-reported instruments. This study evaluated self-reported knee pain (KP) and its effect on physical performance during military service in the Estonian Defense Forces.Material And MethodsNinety-five male conscripts aged 19-25 years were divided into two study groups based on the occurrence of KP or not. Self-reported KP and function according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were measured. Physical fitness level was scored using the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). KOOS and APFT were measured in the beginning and at the end of the 6-month period of military service.ResultsSignificant differences in favor of the group without KP (P < 0.001) were found for all subgroups of the KOOS. In spite of KP, the physical condition improved significantly (P < 0.001) in both study groups as measured with both the APFT test (22.2% increase) and running time (10.3% decrease).ConclusionIn conclusion, self-reported KP and limited function according to KOOS did not hinder the improvement of physical condition and running speed as assessed by APFT in Estonian conscripts.© Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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