Rutgers study: is popularity of HIIT behind increase in gym injuries?
A study on exercise injuries has suggested that people who engage in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could be putting themselves at greater risk of injury.
Research by Rutgers University in the US, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, shows that there has been a steady increase in the number of injuries accredited to the use of exercise equipment since 2007.
Using an analysis of people's exercise habits, the study then links the increase with the growing popularity of HIIT.
For the study, a team of researchers at Rutgers analysed records in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2007 through 2016.
They found a total of 3,988,902 injuries resulting from the use of specific exercise equipment – such as barbells, kettle bells and boxes – and people doing calisthenics (such as burpees, push-ups and lunges). Both methods of exercise are common in HIIT.
The researchers found a steady increase (an average of 50,944 injuries per year) in gym injuries, which the team deemed to be in line with analytics showing the growth in the number of people doing HIIT workouts.
In terms of the types of injuries, the study found that there was a significant increase in nerve damage, internal organ injuries, concussions, puncture wounds, dislocations, sprains and strains for the period from 2007 to 2016.
Most injuries involved knees, ankles and shoulders – and the "most injured group" were white males aged 20 to 39.
In its conclusion, the report states that: "Given increases in injuries related to HIIT workout programmes, athletes should be educated on how to minimise preventable injuries.
"With particularly high rates of knee and ankle sprains and strains, neuromuscular training and pre-strengthening programmes, which have been previously demonstrated to be effective among young athletes, may be particularly worthwhile in prospective participants.
"Physicians must be up to date with current fitness trends to best advise patients appropriately."
Joseph Ippolito, a physician in the department of orthopaedics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School – and a member of the research team, added: "These workouts are marketed as 'one size fits all', but many, especially amateurs, do not have the flexibility, mobility, core strength and muscles to perform these exercises."
The researchers, however, stressed that the results shouldn't be seen as a reason for not taking part in HIIT – but rather an encouragement for people to seek proper guidance and instruction ahead of workouts.
"We certainly do not want to discourage people from this type of exercise because of its numerous health benefits, but recommend that they understand the pre-existing conditions and physical weaknesses that may predispose them to injury," said co-author Nicole Rynecki.
"Exercises such as stretches that can increase range of motion and strengthen rotator cuff muscles are important, especially for older people and those who are predisposed to rotator cuff tears."
To access the full report, click here.
high-intensity interval training HIIT Rutgers UniversityHIIT more effective for weight loss than lengthy, moderate forms of exercise
Should there be an upper limit for HIIT training?
Combination of meditation and exercise helps beat depression: study
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
