Craniofacial Injuries From Exercise and Weightlifting Rise

Author: Wolters Kluwer Health
Published: 19 Mar 2024 - Updated: 3 Nov 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Research, Study, Analysis

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This research, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Craniofacial Surgery by Rohan Mangal and colleagues at the University of Miami, used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to study 582,972 US emergency department visits for head, face and neck injuries linked to exercise and equipment from 2013 to 2022. The yearly rate rose 32.7 percent over the decade, and while men had most injuries, the increase among women was nearly twice as large. Teens aged 15 to 19 had the highest rate, and head injuries made up 45 percent of cases, followed by face and neck injuries. The study matters to gym-goers, coaches and gym operators, and to older adults and people with disabilities who are often encouraged to start strength training, because it points to simple steps such as proper technique, supervision and safety equipment.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Only 8.5 percent of patients were admitted to the hospital.
• 2 - The authors estimate about 1 in every 1,264 gym-goers has such an injury each year.
• 3 - Internal injuries and cuts were the most common diagnoses, at about 25 percent each.
• 4 - Lifting too much weight to impress others, called ego lifting, may help explain higher rates among men.

Topic Definition

Craniofacial Injury

A craniofacial injury is any injury to the skull, face or jaw, including fractures of the facial bones, cuts and bruises to the face, damage to the eyes, nose, mouth or teeth, and injuries to the head that can affect the brain. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening and may need care from emergency doctors, plastic or oral surgeons, eye specialists or neurologists depending on the area involved.

Overview

Numbers of craniofacial injuries related to exercise and weightlifting have increased sharply over the past decade, reports a study in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

"Incidence of craniofacial injury significantly increased between 2013 and 2022, illuminating the need for better education and risk mitigation strategies," according to the new research by Rohan Mangal, MSc, and colleagues of University of Miami.

Rates of exercise-related head and facial injuries appear higher for men than women, and for adolescents and young adults compared to older age groups.

Increasing Incidence of Exercise-Related Head and Face Injuries

Using the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, the researchers identified US emergency department visits for craniofacial injuries related to "exercise and equipment." The data included a total of 582,972 such injuries occurring between 2013 and 2022.

Over this ten-year period, the annual incidence rate of exercise and weightlifting-related head and facial injuries increased by 32.7%. While most injuries occurred in men (55.7%), the increase in incidence was nearly twice as high in women (44.5% versus 24.2%).

On analysis by age, adolescents aged 15 to 19 had the highest rate of craniofacial injuries: 9.9%. This figure decreased gradually until age 40 to 44 years, then increased again up to age 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 mouth, eye, and ear injuries (less than 5% each).

Increased Craniofacial Injuries May Reflect Rise In Gym Membership

Internal injuries (25.2%) and lacerations (24.8%) were the most common types of injuries.

Other diagnoses included contusions or abrasions (12.9%) and strains or sprains (11.9%).

Only 8.5% of patients were hospitalized, mainly due to internal organ injuries or fractures.

For patients with internal injuries to the head, hospital admission rates were higher (15% to 20%).

Studies of injuries related to exercise and weightlifting have focused on other areas such as the limbs 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 have a fitness club membership, the researchers estimate that such injuries occur in about 1 out of every 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 capacity - sometimes called "ego lifting." A similar inclination to exercise at high intensity may contribute to the higher injury rates in adolescents and young adults.

The researchers note some key limitations of their study - including a lack of specific information on how the injuries occurred. Since the analysis included only injuries leading to emergency department visits, the total number of injuries is "likely underreported."

The authors discuss "safe exercise practices" that may help to reduce the rates of exercise-related craniofacial injuries, including training in proper technique, certain types of external safeguards at health clubs, and exercise supervision by gym staff. Mr. Mangal and coauthors conclude:

"While exercise and weightlifting-related craniofacial injuries are impossible to avoid altogether, 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 rated 23 out of 600 surgical journals worldwide. Dr. Habal works with an outstanding editorial board and top global medical organizations to prepare a premiere scholarly journal for the global community.

Wolters Kluwer

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Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

What are the warning signs of a serious head injury?

Seek emergency care for loss of consciousness, a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, unequal pupils, weakness or seizures after a blow to the head.

How can I avoid dropping weights on myself?

Use a weight you can control, keep a firm grip, use collars on barbells, lift in a clear space and ask for a spotter for heavy bench presses or overhead lifts.

Is weightlifting safe for older adults?

Yes, with proper guidance strength training is safe and beneficial for most older adults, helping maintain muscle, bone strength and balance.

Can people with disabilities do strength training?

Yes, many exercises can be adapted for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. A physical therapist or adaptive fitness trainer can help design a safe routine.

What is the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System?

It is a US Consumer Product Safety Commission database that collects injury data from a sample of hospital emergency departments to estimate national injury numbers.

What is a spotter in weightlifting?

A spotter is a person who watches a lifter and helps lift or guide the weight if the lifter cannot complete the movement safely.

Why are teenagers more likely to be injured in the gym?

Teens may lack training in proper technique, try heavier weights than they can manage or lift without supervision, all of which raise injury risk.

Should I wear a helmet or face protection at the gym?

Helmets are not usually needed for gym training, but safety bars, racks, rubber flooring and careful setup reduce the risk of being struck by equipment.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Strength training is one of the most effective ways to protect bone, muscle and balance, so the rise in injuries is a reason to train smarter rather than to avoid the gym. Most of the head and face injuries in this study likely come from dropped weights, slipping grips, falls and equipment strikes, which good technique, collars on bars, clear floor space and a spotter can largely prevent. Because the data only include emergency visits, many milder injuries go uncounted. For beginners, older adults and people with disabilities, starting with lighter weights, asking gym staff or a physical therapist for a plan, and stopping at the first sign of dizziness are simple ways to stay safe.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by Wolters Kluwer Health and published on 19 Mar 2024. Last updated on 3 Nov 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.