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Weight training injury trends: a 20-year survey
C S Jones1, C Christensen, M Young
1Department of Health Science, Kinesiology, Recreation and Dance, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA. ches@comp.uark.edu.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Weight training injuries are common, with emergency room visits increasing 35% since 1978. Proper equipment use instruction is crucial to prevent injuries, especially for children and older adults.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Weight training is a widespread fitness activity.
- Injuries are a known risk associated with weight training.
- Previous research has identified common injury types and locations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze trends in weight lifting injuries.
- To understand the epidemiology of weight training-related injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of US emergency department data.
- Utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.
- Analyzed injuries from weight training and equipment from 1978 to 1998.
Main Results:
- Over 20,000 weight training injuries were identified by NEISS.
- An estimated 980,173 individuals received emergency department treatment for weight training injuries.
- A 35% increase in emergency department-treated injuries was observed since 1978.
- Approximately 25% of injuries resulted from equipment misuse or abuse.
Conclusions:
- Targeted safety messages are needed for vulnerable groups like young children and older adults.
- Emphasis on proper weight training equipment usage is recommended for all users.
- Home gym users should be particularly aware of safety protocols.
