Exercise-Related injuries in fitness centers in Kampala City: A situational analysis.

Abstract

Fitness facilities provide an avenue for people to engage in physical activity, which is widely encouraged to improve health. However, there is a risk of injury. This study aimed to identify exercise-related injuries in fitness centers and their correlates to aid in the development of injury prevention strategies. The focus of this study was fitness centers (gyms) within the central division of Kampala city. A qualitative survey in the four selected fitness centers was carried out using individual interviews. A thematic analysis was carried out to present quotations from respondents on each theme and a summary of the findings using GRADE CERQual. This study found out that exercise-related injuries always occur in fitness centers. Most injuries reported were mild to moderate that were easily managed with basic first aid and resting from the exercise while a few occurrences were severe cases that included a muscle tear and a knee dislocation that led to hospitalisation of the victims. Muscle strains were reported to be the most common and weightlifting was associated with most injuries. Additionally, overexertion was reported to contribute to most injuries. This study found out that several strategies are being used to mitigate the occurrence of exercise-related injuries in fitness centres ranging from gym rules to change of individuals’ exercising behaviours.