Review on Identifying the Causes and Frequency of Weight-training Injuries and their Prevention Strategies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes and frequency of weight-‎training Injuries.

To conduct this research, background research was performed using search engines from 1980 to 2018. In the next step, after excluding unrelated articles, articles containing information on weight-training injury and prevention of sports injuries were selected.

The results revealed that men are more injured than women. The major location of injuries in weight training was the upper part of trunk (25.1%), the lower part of trunk (21%), hands (17.9%), legs (12.7%), and head (11.9%). Furthermore, the major types of injury were sprain and strain (47.2%). In addition, most injuries from weight training occurred in ages 14-18 and 23-30 in hands and upper body respectively. Strain and sprain were the most common injuries for 13-34. The injury was different in women; most injuries in women occurred from the ankle down and trunk. Movements causing injuries included deadlift, squat, chest press, and overhead press.

Injury occurred less in women compared with men in strength training. Lower body was injured more than the upper body in women. Injury in those with 14-18 years old results from lack of knowledge about the use of machines and fall of weights on limbs. On the other hand, those with 23-30 years of age tend to use heavier weights which can lead to ligaments injuries. It is recommended that sports coaches teach correct and risky exercises to athletes for injury prevention.