WEIGHT-TRAINING INJURIES - COMMON INJURIES AND PREVENTATIVE METHODS

The use of weights is an increasingly popular conditioning technique, competitive sport and recreational activity among children, adolescent s and young adults. Weight-training can cause significant musculoskele tal injuries such as fractures, dislocations, spondylolysis, spondylol isthesis, intervertebral disk herniation, and meniscal injuries of the knee. Although injuries can occur during the use of weight machines, most apparently happen during the aggressive use of free weights. Prep ubescent and older athletes who are well trained and supervised appear to have low injury rates in strength training programmes. Good coachi ng and proper weightlifting techniques and other injury prevention met hods are likely to minimise the number of musculoskeletal problems cau sed by weight-training.