High-intensity functional training and injury: data and prevention

This chapter addresses injury data and prevention strategies within the high-intensity functional training (HIFT) framework. Injury prevention is crucial to ensure athlete safety, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks. The mean injury rate for HIFT is four injuries per 1000hours of sports participation, which is comparable to other fitness-related sports. The most common injuries are overuse-related shoulder, lower back, and knee injuries. Training load and experience are important factors in injury etiology. However, current HIFT literature should be interpreted with thoughtful consideration of its limitations, which future research needs to address. Effective injury prevention involves a multidisciplinary approach, actively including athletes, medical professionals, and coaches. Optimizing the training environment, establishing injury management protocols, and fostering communication and cohesive collaboration among professionals providing guidance and treatment are essential to minimize injury risk and promote long-term athlete health and optimal performance.