Compression Neuropathy among the Cadets of Bangladesh Military Academy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Compression neuropathies are common during military training. Cadets of Bangladesh Military Academy often become vulnerable to compression palsies which renders them unable to perform training activities for a considerable time period. Pressure palsies may be acute or chronic. The major risk factors include carrying heavy loads, improper pack fitting, thin body habitus and training event or activity. Recognition of pre-disposing factors are important to reduce the occurrence of pressure palsies and facilitate smooth training. The purpose of this study was to observe the pattern, predisposing factors, training time loss and recovery status of the cadets with compression neuropathy in Bangladesh Military Academy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in CMH, Bhatiary which included all cadets presenting with features of neuropathy following a history of nerve compression from 8 September 2024 to 7 September 2025 and attended subsequent follow up within this time frame. The sample size was 32.  Results: The mean age of the respondents was 20.68 ± 1.15 years, majority being male. Mean BMI was 20.62 ± 1.68 kg/sq. meters. Majority of the (62.5%) affected cadets were first-termers. 62.5% cases were backpack palsies. 14 (43.8%) palsies occurred following Exercise Podokkhep while majority (56.2%) developed symptoms within 4 hours of compression. 43.8% cases were mono-neuropathy while 56.3% were brachial plexopathy, mostly (62.5%) being Neuropraxia. Majority (65.6%) of the cadets had partial recovery. The mean training time loss was 8.02 ± 5.27 weeks. Independent sample t-test showed statistically significant relations between abnormal NCS and training time loss (p value 0.009) and abnormal NCS and number of recurrence among the cadets (p value 0.001). Conclusion: The study emphasizes on cadets with low BMI, less muscular junior term cadets, big pack compression and the duration of compression as major predisposing factors of compression neuropathy. It also demonstrates that most of the cases are Neuropraxia which recovered within 8 weeks and had better prognosis. It recommends necessary precautions to tackle these risk factors to prevent neuropathy. 

Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 59 No (1) June 2026, pp 55-61