The relationship between cadet strength and musculoskeletal injury during basic training and physical program requirements
Date of Award
Spring 1-13-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are a leading cause of lost training time and reduced readiness in military populations. This study examined the relationship between muscular strength and MSKI prevalence among New Cadets (NCs) at the U.S. Military Academy during six weeks of Cadet Basic Training (CBT). Using self-reported survey data, muscular strength was assessed via the Army Fitness Test (AFT) three-repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), and injury status was determined from reported bone, muscle, joint, or tendon injuries. Analyses included paired t tests comparing pre- and during-CBT MDL performance, Welch’s t tests by injury status, and Spearman correlations with training behaviors and injury burden. Results indicated that 18.7% of cadets (n = 59) reported at least one injury during CBT. Injured cadets demonstrated significantly lower during-CBT MDL performance compared to uninjured peers (203.5 lb vs. 234.7 lb; p = .012). Overall MDL performance increased from pre- to during-CBT (p < .001), although cadets with prior deadlift experience reported lower during-CBT scores, likely reflecting testing modality constraints and limited technical coaching. Injury burden was minimal, and no significant relationship was observed between pre-accession resistance training frequency and injury occurrence. These findings support muscular strength as a protective factor against MSKI. Integrating progressive resistance training, technical coaching, and pre-accession strength preparation within the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) framework may reduce injury risk and enhance cadet readiness.