A new study from the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio reveals that as the popularity of weight training has increased, so has the rate of injuries related to the activity. In fact, the number of weight training-related injuries has increased by 50 percent over the 18-year study period. The data are available as a “Preview Publication Before Print” in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
The data show that young people (aged 13 to 24) and males were the groups most likely to sustain weight-training injuries. Interestingly, although youths had the greatest number of injuries, the greatest increase in injuries happened to people over age 45. The youths were most often injured using free weights, while the older population was most often injured overexerting themselves with weight-training machines. The most injuries overall occurred during sessions with free weights, which is logical since there is a greater potential for errors in technique with free weights than with machines. Most often, weights dropping on someone were the cause of the injury, and the most common diagnoses were sprains and strains.
Study author Dawn Comstock, PhD, principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital says, "Before beginning a weight training program, it is important that people of all ages consult with a health professional, such as a doctor or athletic trainer, to create a safe training program based on their age and capabilities. Getting proper instruction on how to use weight lifting equipment and the proper technique for lifts, as well as providing trained supervision for youths engaging in weight training, will also reduce the risk of injury."
Injuries are also on the rise among women. “Weight training may still be a male dominated activity," said Dr. Comstock, also a faculty member of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. "However, the increase in incidence among female participants is likely the result of more women weight training as it becomes a more accepted fitness activity for women."
This study is the first of its kind to evaluate the epidemiology of weight training-related injuries across all age groups. The researchers recommend that everyone get proper instruction in weight lifting technique, in particular for youths.
