Interesting study.
Reading the study and looking at the 2 photos they've got I think that may be these injuries this article refers too are conventional inflatable boats IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats - they look like SIBs actually)and not Rigid Inflatable Rescue Boats (RIRBs) of 5mtrs and over.
I would think that the later type of craft (RIB) may have 'softer' landings than the conventional type of Inflatable boat (SIB).
However, the points made in this article/study need to be investigated as it raises some very serious issues about foot straps.
If any one knows of a study about foot straps and effects to crew on RIBs it will be very interesting to see it.