Kettlebell training for musculoskeletal rehabilitation and injury prevention: a mini review

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal injuries are a major contributor to pain, disability, and reduced participation in daily life. Accessible, scalable exercise interventions are essential to improve rehabilitation outcomes and support community reintegration. Kettlebell training offers dynamic, functional movements that may enhance strength, reduce pain, and restore mobility with minimal equipment. Aim To synthesize current evidence on the clinical and functional benefits of kettlebell training during musculoskeletal rehabilitation and explore its potential role in community health strategies. Methods A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library up to November 2024 using terms related to musculoskeletal injuries and kettlebell exercise. Studies involving structured kettlebell training programs in clinical populations were included. The GRADE approach was used to assess evidence quality. Results Five studies with a total of 261 participants were included. Intervention durations ranged from 8 to 12 weeks, typically incorporating kettlebell swings, Turkish get-ups, and overhead presses. Pain reduction ranged between approximately 30% to 40%. Strength improvements, particularly in grip and back muscles, ranged between 10% and 25%. Functional gains in tests like the six-minute walk test and sit-to-stand ranged from 10% to 20%. Overall, the quality of evidence was rated high for pain and strength outcomes and moderate for functional performance. Conclusions Kettlebell training is a promising, low-cost, and scalable rehabilitation modality that improves pain, strength, and functional mobility. Its minimal equipment requirements and adaptability make it suitable for community-based rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring active participation and reducing the societal burden of musculoskeletal injuries. Key messages • Kettlebell training offers a dynamic, accessible strategy to enhance musculoskeletal strength, stability, and injury resilience across diverse populations. • Integrating kettlebell-based programs into community health initiatives could promote functional independence, reduce injury risk, and support active lifestyles across populations.