Which types of exercise went with fewer sports injuries

Subject: Effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries

What this means

With strength training, sports injuries dropped to less than 1/3. Balance training and combined programmes also showed fewer injuries. Stretching made no measurable difference.

Lauersen JB, Bertelsen DM, Andersen LB · 2014 · British Journal of Sports Medicine 48(11):871-877

What does this rating mean?

Multiple consistent meta-analyses or a position stand. Sufficient basis for a fixed choice in the coaching.

Findings

Exercise programmes reduce the risk of sports injuries, with strength training emerging as the most effective category and stretching showing no demonstrable protective effect.

Who this applies to

Athletes in the included trials; the abstract does not report age, training level or sex.

Size of the research

25 randomised trials with a total of 26 610 participants and 3464 injuries.

What to keep in mind

Results varied widely between the trials, and a few studies clearly deviated from the rest.

Practical conclusion for REZA

REZA presents strength training as the most evidence-based form of injury prevention. Stretching is not sold as a prevention tool.

View method and source

Methodology

Systematic review with meta-analysis of RCTs

Original source

DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092538 · PMID: 24100287

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Strength training as dose-dependent, safe injury prevention

This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.

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