A five-year study by researchers at the University of Bath in the UK, funded by the British Medical Association, reveals that the risks of serious injury from various forms of exercise and sports are smaller than previously believed.
The study, published in the journal Injury Prevention, was based on data from hospitals across the UK where patients sought treatment for trauma related to sport and exercise. Between 2012 and 2017, there were 11,702 cases of injuries from these activities. Dr. Sean Williams, the principal investigator, emphasizes that "engaging in fitness activity is overwhelmingly a safe and beneficial occupation." Although no physical activity is completely risk-free, the risk of serious injury is extremely low compared to the many health benefits of staying active.
Activities such as running, golf, dance classes, and fitness classes have the lowest injury rates, with running causing 0.7 injuries, golf 1.25 injuries, and fitness classes 0.1 injuries per 100,000 participants per year. Even soccer, one of the most popular sports in Europe and Israel, has a relatively low injury rate, with 6.56 injuries per 100,000 participants per year.
On the other hand, motorsports, horse activities and paragliding are the most dangerous occupations, with significantly higher injury rates. Motorsport resulted in 532 injuries, horses 235 and paragliding 191 injuries per 100,000 participants.
Interestingly, the study found an increased risk of injury in sports and physical activity popular around the world. In Australia, the annual proportion of sports injuries treated in hospitals increased by 24% between 2004 and 2010, and in the UK there was a nearly 500% increase in the incidence of serious motorsport accidents in the five years to 2015.
Dr. Maddie Davis, lead author of the study, calls for more real-time research to understand the reason for the increase in casualties. She speculates that this may just be an illusion obtained from a more detailed record of the causes of injury.
The ultimate goal of the study is to reduce the number of serious injuries from sports. Dr. Williams emphasizes that many sports injuries can be prevented through measures such as protective equipment, rule changes or education. The researchers hope their work will lead to the development of a national registry with real-time data analysis capabilities that enable rapid identification and action against common types of injuries. For example, in response to the spike in injuries from jumping on trampolines, safety recommendations were published and manufacturers were encouraged to comply with safety standards, which led to a significant reduction in accidents.
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