Epidemiology of craniofacial injuries caused by exercise and weight lifting: a 10-year analysis
Author: Wolters Kluwer Health
Published: 2024/03/19
Post type: Research, Study, Analysis – Peer Reviewed: Yeah
Content: Summary – Major – Related Posts
Synopsis: The number of craniofacial injuries related to exercise and weight lifting has increased significantly over the past decade. Rates of exercise-related head and facial injuries appear higher in men than women, and in adolescents and young adults compared to older age groups. Citing a recent report that 22% of people in the United States are gym members, researchers estimate that these types of injuries occur in approximately 1 in 1,264 gym goers per year.
Main summary
The number of craniofacial injuries related to exercise and weight lifting has increased significantly over the past decade, a study reports in The journal of craniofacial surgery. The magazine is published in Wolters Kluwer’s Lippincott portfolio.
“The incidence of craniofacial injuries increased significantly between 2013 and 2022, illuminating the need for better education and risk mitigation strategies,” according to new research by Rohan Mangal, MSc, and colleagues at the University of Miami.
Rates of exercise-related head and facial injuries appear higher in men than women, and in adolescents and young adults compared to older age groups.
Rising Incidence of Exercise-Related Head and Face Injuries
Using the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, researchers identified visits to U.S. emergency departments for “exercise and equipment”-related craniofacial injuries. The data included a total of 582,972 injuries of this type that occurred between 2013 and 2022.
During this ten-year period, the annual incidence rate of facial and head injuries related to exercise and weight lifting increased by 32.7%. While the majority of injuries occurred in men (55.7%), the increase in incidence was almost double in women (44.5% vs. 24.2%).
When analyzed by age, adolescents between 15 and 19 years old had the highest rate of craniofacial injuries: 9.9%. This figure gradually decreased until the age of 40 to 44 years, then increased again until the age of 65 to 69 years.
Head injuries were the most common type of exercise and weightlifting-related injuries (45%), followed by injuries to the face (26%) and neck (21%).
Other injury categories included injuries to the mouth, eyes, and ears (less than 5% each).
Increase in craniofacial injuries may reflect increase in gym membership
Internal injuries (25.2%) and lacerations (24.8%) were the most common types of injuries.
Other diagnoses included bruises or abrasions (12.9%) and strains or sprains (11.9%).
Only 8.5% of patients were hospitalized, mainly for injuries or fractures of internal organs.
For patients with internal head injuries, hospital admission rates were higher (15% to 20%).
Studies of injuries related to exercise and weight lifting have focused on other areas such as the extremities and lower back, while craniofacial injuries have been “insufficiently characterized,” according to the authors.
Citing a recent report that 22% of people in the United States are gym members, researchers estimate that these types of injuries occur in approximately 1 in 1,264 gym goers per year.
The higher rate of exercise- and weightlifting-related craniofacial injuries in men may reflect social pressures to exercise or lift weights beyond their ability, sometimes called “ego lifting.” A similar inclination to exercise at high intensity may contribute to higher injury rates in adolescents and young adults.
The researchers point out some key limitations of their study, including the lack of specific information about how the injuries occurred. Since the analysis included only injuries that led to emergency department visits, the total number of injuries is “probably underreported.”
The authors discuss “safe exercise practices” that can help reduce rates of exercise-related craniofacial injuries, including training in proper technique, certain types of external protection in gyms, and exercise supervision by staff from the gym. Mangal and his co-authors conclude:
“While exercise- and weightlifting-related craniofacial injuries are impossible to completely avoid, knowledge of their current trends allows for targeted prevention strategies for vulnerable subgroups.”
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, under the editorship of Mutaz B. Habal MD, FRCSC, FICS, FACS, is ranked 23 out of 600 surgical journals worldwide. Dr. Habal works with a leading editorial board and leading global medical organizations to prepare a premier academic journal for the global community.
Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer delivers trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students in effective decision-making and outcomes across healthcare.
Attribution/Source(s):
This peer-reviewed publication from our Weight and Strength Training section was selected for distribution by the editors of Disabled World because of its likely interest to our readers in the disability community. Although content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article “Increased craniofacial injuries caused by exercise and weight lifting” was originally written by Wolters Kluwer Health and submitted for publication on 03/19/2024. If you require further information or clarification, you can contact Wolters Kluwer Health at wolterskluwer.com/es website. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
📢 Discover related topics
đź‘Ť Share this information with:
đť•Ź.com Facebook Reddit
Page information, citations and disclaimer
Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to disabled people, older people, their families and/or carers. Visit our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories, and how-tos. You can connect with us on social media like X.com and ours Facebook page.
Permanent link: Increase in craniofacial injuries from exercise and weight lifting
Cite this page (APA): Wolters Kluwer Health. (2024, March 19). Increase in craniofacial injuries due to exercise and weight lifting. Disabled world. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/exercise/bodybuilding/craniofacial.php
Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never intended to be a substitute for qualified professional medical care. Any third party offers or advertisements do not constitute an endorsement.
