HIIT increases risk of knee and ankle injuries, finds new research

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a physical form that collagen is a nutrition. That is to say, it's super freakin 'plugged in. And for good reason – this form of exercise, which consists of alternating short periods of high intensity activities with short periods of rest, has been badociated with many health benefits, such as increasing endurance, stimulating combustion fats and the basic metabolic rate. More recently, it has proven to be more effective at reducing belly fat than moderate intensity exercises.

But before diving into the heart of this fitness trend, you need to know what: HIIT can dramatically increase your risk of injury.

A new study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Fitness found that while IIT improved fitness and lean muscle mbad, it was badociated with increased injuries, including sprains and strains in the knee and ankle, and tears in the body. rotator cuff.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers badyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2007 to 2016 and discovered more than 3 million injuries resulting from equipment (bars, kettlebells, boxes) and injuries. specific exercises (burpees, lunges, pumps) common to the IHIt. programs. They found a steady increase in the number of these injuries each year, which corresponds to an increased interest in the IHI (measured by Google searches).

So, why exactly is HIIT particularly risky from the point of view of injury? "These training sessions are marketed as" one size fits all. "However, many athletes, especially enthusiasts, lack the flexibility, mobility, fundamental strength, and muscles to perform these exercises," said co-author of the study, Joseph Ippolito, MD, in a press release. "There is strong evidence that these types of injuries, particularly those caused by repetitive overloading of the knee, can lead to osteoarthritis."

With HIIT, poor fitness, poor training recovery and muscle overuse are probably the reasons for these injuries. This is not to say that HIIT should be totally avoided, but this research highlights the importance of changing workout routines, improving flexibility through stretching, and developing strength and balance with less intense exercises. before embarking on an exhausting routine of HIIT.

A great way to reduce your risk of injury while training? Reinforce your routine with one of those low impact workouts that our fitness editor does not swear.