An empirical study on medical selection of flying cadets with contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band between PLAAF and USAF

Abstract：Objective To find out the differences between the standards of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band in PLA air force flying cadets recruiting medical standard directory and United States air force medical standard directory, and to provide a method for the reform of PLA air force flying cadets recruiting medical standard directory.Method The reject rate and comprehensive assessment qualified rate of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band in flying cadet recruiting final selective physical examination was from 2012 to 2015. by comparing the standards of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band in PLA air force flying cadets recruiting medical standard directory and in the United States air force medical standard directory, and empirical study was carried out. Results In flying cadet recruiting final selective physical examination from 2012 to 2015, only 28 candidates were eliminated because of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band, accounting for 14.2% of the eliminated candidates because of orthopeadics diseases. 5 candidates with contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band were admitted by comprehensive assessment in 2014 and 7 in 2015 by comprehensive assessment, which accounted for 5.1% in candidates with orthopeadics diseases. The standards of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band in PLA air force flying cadets recruiting medical standard directory were unsatisfactory in accuracy and scientificity. Because those standards of USAF were based on function of lower extremities, and dismissed the diseases and signs related to contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band. Based on US air force medical standard directory, among candidates rejected because of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band, all the unqualified candidates for PLAAF standardswere qualified for USAF standards. Among candidates with contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band approved by comprehensive assessment, all were qualified for USAF standards.Conclusion The standards of contracture and maldevelopment of the iliotibial band in PLA air force flying cadets recruiting medical standard directory were unsatisfactory in accuracy and scientificity. The standards of USAF should be referred to and function of lower extremities should be considered in flying cadets selecting.