Injury Potential of Weight Training

Injury Potential of Weight Training
Weight training injury rates are low.
o
o
General Population (Powell et al. 1998)
Athletes (Hamill 1994, Zemper 1990)
Free weights do not produce more injuries, compared to machines (Ralph et al. 1993).
Weightlifting injuries are lower than those sustained in other sports (Hamill 1994, Stone 1990,
Stone et al. 1993).
Sports Injury Rates (Hamill 1994)
Sport
Injuries (per 100 hours)
Soccer (school age)
6.20
UK Rugby
1.92
USA Basketball
0.03
UK Cross Country
0.37
Squash
0.10
US Football
0.10
Badminton
0.05
USA Gymnastics
0.044
USA Powerlifting
0.0027
USA Volleyball
0.0013
USA Tennis
0.001
Weight Training
0.0035 (85,733 hrs)
Weightlifting
0.0017 (168,551 hrs)