Military medicine
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Despite 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. ⋯ In 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.
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High altitude missions pose significant challenges to Warfighter medical readiness and performance. Decreased circulating oxygen levels cause a decrease in exercise performance and can cause debilitating symptoms associated with acute mountain sickness, especially with rapid ascent. Acetazolamide (AZ) is known to minimize symptoms of acute mountain sickness, but it is unknown whether this medication alters hand strength and manual dexterity during altitude exposure. ⋯ Our results suggest that 500 mg/d of AZ does not influence hand strength or manual dexterity during a 30 h exposure to 3,500 m simulated ALT. Acute ALT exposure (1 h) did not influence dexterity or strength, although some measures of dexterity showed improvements as exposure time increased. We conclude that use of AZ to optimize medical readiness at ALT is unlikely to impair the Warfighter's ability to complete mission tasks that depend on hand function.
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It is critical the U.S. Army retains skilled physicians in the Medical Corps (MC) to ensure direct support to military operations and medical readiness. The purpose of this study was to examine U.S. Army physicians' opinions concerning: readiness to perform required duties, work environment, support and recognition they receive, military career intentions, and how these factors may relate to Army physician job satisfaction. ⋯ There is significant room for improvement in MC officer career satisfaction. The drivers of satisfaction are multiple and apply differently among MC officers of varied ranks and experience. Senior officers are the ones who are the most satisfied with their military career. Results of this novel MC officer study may serve as an impetus to identify existing shortcomings and make necessary changes to retain skilled Army physicians. Army leaders should invest resources to develop and sustain initiatives that improve military career satisfaction and retention of MC officers.