Rate of injury and subjective benefits of gravitational wellness weightlifting.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: David T Burke, Emory University; Regina Bell, Emory University; Samir Al-Adawi, Sultan Qaboos University; Ariel Alexandroni, Emory University; Atsu Dorvlo, Sultan Qaboos University; Daniel P Burke, Georgia College and State University
• Language: English
• Date: 2014
• Publisher: Dove Medical Press
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2014 Burke et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S64078
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine
• ISSN: 1179-1543
• Volume: 5
• Start Page: 215
• End Page: 221
• Keywords: weight training; gravitational wellness system; descriptive study; rate of injuries
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy; Health Sciences, General; Health Sciences, Health Care Management

Abstract

Background A preliminary study using the “gravitational wellness” weightlifting technique demonstrated this to be a unique technique for loading the musculoskeletal system with extremely high loads over short arcs. This leads to rapid weekly strength gains using 30-minute weekly training sessions. This study was designed to further assess the benefit–risk ratio of the gravitational wellness weightlifting technique. Purpose This descriptive/retrospective study examined musculoskeletal and well-being outcomes as well as injuries reported by consecutive participants at one gravitational wellness gym. Materials and methods All adults presenting for training at the Atlanta, Georgia, gravitational wellness system facility over a 6-month period were invited to participate. Data were obtained by telephone interview concerning the presenting complaint/objective of training, subjective outcome, weights lifted, and injuries incurred during training. Results Of the 77 participants contacted via telephone, 92% agreed to participate (male, n=40; female, n=31). The participants ranged in age from 18 years to 69 years, with a mean age of 48.6 years. Of these, 42 (59%) presented to the gym with the objective of improving a defined musculoskeletal issue. The modal of these was chronic low-back pain. The subjects realized improvement on a 5-point Likert scale of 4.2/5 for their presenting complaint, and improved by 4.27/5 in their overall subjective health. There were no injuries. Conclusion This study of consecutive participants at a gravitational wellness gym found that by lifting large weights over short arcs 3 0 minutes per week, participants significantly increased their strength, reduced their musculoskeletal pain, improve their subjective well-being, and reported a low rate of injury.