Bodyweight and Weightlifting Exercise Injury Burden: National Analysis from 2014-2023

Bodyweight exercises and weightlifting are foundational to strength training, yet their relative public health burdens remain poorly defined in large, nationally representative samples. We analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 2014–2023. A standardized keyword screening protocol was utilized to identify cases of weightlifting and bodyweight injuries treated in United States emergency departments. Variance estimation was performed using Taylor series linearization to account for the complex, stratified sampling design and generate nationally representative estimates. Over the 10-year study period, national estimates of 546,655 weightlifting-related injuries and 108,001 bodyweight-related injuries were identified. Weightlifting injuries primarily involved the trunk (70.1%) and phalanges (13.7%). Bodyweight injuries were significantly associated with upper and lower extremity trauma (20.7%) and joint dislocations (8.7%). After adjusting for age and sex in a cluster-robust multivariable model, exercise modality was not a significant predictor of inpatient hospitalization (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.60–1.38; p = 0.666). While weightlifting poses a higher absolute volume burden, there is no significant difference in hospitalization odds when adjusting for age and sex. Prevention should focus on proper technique for heavy lifts and safe joint positioning for dynamic bodyweight movements, with increased diagnostic precaution and safety monitoring recommended for older participants.