Training the Industrial Athlete: Targeted Exercises to Reduce Occupational Injury Risks

Abstract

Background: Competitive athletes go through rigorous physical training to enhance their performance and to limit their risk for injury. While this is common practice in athletics, the industrial worker often does not undergo similar physical training to maintain efficiency in the work environment while limiting injury risks. This lack in physical preparation often leads to musculoskeletal injury among workers. The purpose of this review is to identify common injury patterns among workers and describe appropriate training methods to maximize the ability of the worker while limiting injury risks.