Critics of the American kettlebell swing believe that the increased range of motion places undue stress on the shoulder joint and lumbar spine, increasing the risk of injury. A 2016 study, performed by Steve Oikerinan, ATC, STP at Bridgewater State University2, hypothesized that the American kettlebell swing increased the risk of lumbar spine injury, concluding that the Russian kettlebell swing may be safer. However, the study also concedes that more research must be completed to make any firm conclusion regarding the correlation and possible causality of AKBS and injury. As such, AKBS are still widely used in CrossFit and other training regimens today.