Weight training-related injuries in the high school athlete

Eighty young athletes with weight training-related injuries were seen from August 1976 to August 1980. In 37 of the 80 athletes, it was difficult to pinpoint the cause of injury since the history revealed, in addition to weight training, either a program of running excessive mileage or participation in repetitive lap running in the gymnasium. The injuries of the remaining 43 athletes had a direct causal relationship to the weight training program. Twenty-nine developed lumbosacral pain. Seven of the 29 were hospitalized, and four required surgical treatment. Anterior iliac spine avulsion occurred in six cases, and laceration of the knee meniscus occurred as an initial injury in four athletes who required surgery. Four athletes developed a cervical sprain. Universal Gym (Cedar Rapids, IA), Leaper (Strength/Fitness Systems, Independence MO) Orthotron (Lumex Inc., Bay Shore, NY), and free weights were used either singly or in combination by these young athletes in weight training.