A 10-Year Analysis of Resistance Training-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments: Are Patterns Shifting With More Participation of Women Over Time?

Coffey, K, Pezzullo, L, Nixon, RM, Bolling, J, and Vincent, HK. A 10-year analysis of resistance training-related injuries treated in emergency departments: Are patterns shifting with more participation of women over time? J Strength Cond Res 40(1): e1-e8, 2026-This study reports current sex-related injury patterns associated with resistance training-related data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). This retrospective study includes patients seeking care for "resistance training" activity as defined by NEISS, encompassing the use of weight machines, barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells. The prevalence, type and anatomical site of injuries, and hospital outcome were compared by sex. In total, 15,348 cases were included (20.40% female; 22.8 ± 6.3 years). Females sought care more frequently than males for accidental injuries including fracture (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27 [1.11-1.46]), contusion/laceration (OR = 1.52 [1.37-1.69]) and concussion/internal injuries (OR = 2.45 [2.02-2.97]). Males had 20 and 35% greater odds for reporting to the emergency department (ED) for exertional sprains/strains and dislocations, respectively (both p <0.05). Sites more frequently treated in the ED for females were the head, leg, and ankle/foot (all p < 0.050). The trunk was the most commonly injured site for both males and females (40.5 and 31.1%, respectively). Males had more crush injuries (3.10 vs. 2.20%, respectively) and injuries related to pressing movement (7.20 vs. 3.30%, respectively; p < 0.050). Females had more injuries related to dropped equipment (18.50 vs. 12.10%, respectively), falls (8.30 vs. 5.60%, respectively), and being hit by equipment (6.1 vs. 4.10%, respectively) than males ( p < 0.050). Gym environments were the most common injury sites for both sexes. Compared with earlier NEISS data, persistent sex differences exist with injury presentation in the ED, with an increase in concussions/internal injuries in females. Appropriate training regarding set-up and lift execution is critical to minimize these injuries. Prospective tracking that links specific type of lifting activity with specific injuries may provide a better understanding of how to reduce or prevent injuries.