Introduction to CrossFit: An initial analysis of the sport

Authors

  • Ελίνα Γιανζίνα Democritus University of Thrace

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the recent research output produced on CrossFit and to examine the benefits and risks of the CrossFit training. This work also aims to highlight the sparse number of scientific research produced on CrossFit and to emphasize the need for more studies in the field of CrossFit regarding the benefits and risks that occur during the high-intensity power training of this sport; a sport that presents an increasing recognition at the national and international scale, both by athletes and researchers. Systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted. A total of 18 articles were included in this study. Based on the results of this study, the benefits of CrossFit include physiological, psychological and social effects of CrossFit on athletes. Accordingly, the risks of CrossFit mostly include musculoskeletal injuries at different body parts, such as shoulder, lower back, knee, ankle and elbow injuries. The findings of this study indicate that CrossFit training improves the six out of ten general physical skills of athletes, such as cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power and balance, while the other four physical skills, such as speed, coordination, agility and accuracy are yet to be verified. In conclusion, both elite and novice CrossFit athletes must be in close cooperation with experienced sport experts in order to avoid the riks of injuries and at the same time exploit the benefits of the CrossFit training.

References

Bellar, D., Hatchett, A., Judge, L., Breaux, M., & Marcus, L. (2015). The relationship of aerobic capacity, anaerobic peak power and experience to performance in CrossFit exercise. Biology of Sport, 32(4), 315–20.

Brigham, L. (2006). Plyo Box with Slanted Sides. CrossFit Journal, (49), 1–4.

Chachula, L. A., Cameron, K. L., & Svoboda, S. J. (2016). Association of prior Injury with the report of new injuries sustained during CrossFit training. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 8(1), 28–34.

Claudino, J. G., Gabbett, T. J., Bourgeois, F., Souza, H. D. S., Miranda, R. C., & Mezêncio, B., et al. (2018). CrossFit οverview: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine - Open, 4(11), 1–14.

Cooperman, S. (2005). Getting fit, even if it kills you. The New York Times, pp. 21–22.

Drum, S. N., Bellovary, B., Jensen, R., Moore, M., & Donath, L. (2017). Perceived demands and post-exercise physical dysfunction in CrossFit compared to an ACSM based training session. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 57(5), 604–609.

Eather, N., Morgan, P. J., & Lubans, D. R. (2016a). Effects of exercise on mental health outcomes in adolescents: Findings from the CrossFit teens randomized controlled trial. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 26, 14–23.

Eather, N., Morgan, P. J., & Lubans, D. R. (2016b). Improving health-related fitness in adolescents: Τhe CrossFit Teens randomised controlled trial. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(3), 209–223.

Etchecolatz, F., & Mitchell, M. (2013). CrossFit goes global. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from https://games.crossfit.com/article/crossfit-goes-global

Fisker, F. Y., Kildegaard, S., Thygesen, M., Grosen, K., & Pfeiffer-Jensen, M. (2017). Acute tendon changes in intense CrossFit workout: An observational cohort study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 27(11), 1258–1262.

Gianzina E, Papadimitriou K, Antoniou P, Chalioulia A, Kampas A. (2017). CrossFit-Match analysis: Pacing strategies of elite athletes and their effectiveness. In 25th International Congress of Physical Education and Sport Science (pp. 210–214). Komotini, Greece.

Glassman, G. (2007). Understanding CrossFit. CrossFit Journal, (56), 1–2.

Hak, P. T., Hodzovic, E., & Hickey, B. (2013). The nature and prevalence of injury during CrossFit training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. http://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000318

Heinrich, K., Patel, P., O’Neal, J., & Heinrich, B. (2014). High-intensity compared to moderate-intensity training for exercise initiation, enjoyment, adherence, and intentions: An intervention study. BMC Public Health, 14, 789.

Klimek, C., Ashbeck, C., Brook, A. J., & Durall, C. (2018). Are injuries more common with CrossFit training than other forms of exercise? Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 7(3), 295–299.

Kliszczewicz, B., John, Q. C., Daniel, B. L., Gretchen, O. D., Michael, E. R., & Kyle, T. J. (2015). Acute exercise and oxidative stress: CrossFit vs. treadmill bout. Journal of Human Kinetics, 47(1), 81–90.

Meyer, J., Morrison, J., & Zuniga, J. (2017). The benefits and risks of CrossFit: A systematic review. Workplace Health and Safety, 65(12), 612–618.

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D., & the PRISMA Group. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Med, 6(7), e1000097.

Moran, S., Booker, H., Staines, J., & Williams, S. (2017). Rates and risk factors of injury in CrossFit: A prospective cohort study. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 57(9), 1147–1153.

Murphy, C. (2013). Meet the fittest woman on earth. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from https://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/health/meet-the-fittest-woman-on-earth-29589823.html

Paine, M., Uptgraft, J., & Wylie, R. (2010). CrossFit study. Command and General Staff College, 1–34. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a560056.pdf.

Partridge, J. a., Knapp, B. a., & Massengale, B. D. (2014). An investigation of motivational variables in CrossFit facilities. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(6), 1.

Shaw, B. S., Dullabh, M., Forbes, G., Brandkamp, J.-L., & Shaw, I. (2015). Analysis of physiological determinants during a single bout of CrossFit. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 15(3), 809–815.

Shugart, C. (2008). The truth about CrossFit. Retrieved March 12, 2018, from https://www.t-nation.com/training/truth-about-crossfit

Summitt, R. J., Cotton, R. A., Kays, A. C., & Slaven, E. J. (2016). Shoulder injuries in individuals who participate in CrossFit training. Sports Health, 8(6), 541–546.

Tibana, R. A., de Almeida, L. M., Frade de Sousa, N. M., Nascimento, D. da C., Neto, I. V. de S., de Almeida, J. A., et al. (2016). Two consecutive days of CrossFit training affects pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and osteoprotegerin without impairments in muscle power. Frontiers in Physiology, 7, 260.

Tzourtzek, M. (2011). 3ο Πανελλήνιο CrossFit Event. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://www.xbody.gr/3ο-πανελλήνιο-crossfit-event

Waryasz, G. R., Suric, V., Daniels, A. H., Gil, J. A., & Eberson, C. P. (2016). CrossFit instructor demographics and practice trends. Orthopedic Reviews, 8(4), 106–110.

Weisenthal, B. M., Beck, C. A., Maloney, M. D., DeHaven, K. E., & Giordano, B. D. (2014). Injury rate and patterns among CrossFit athletes. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2(4), 1–7.

www.crossbattle.gr. (2018). General info. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from https://www.crossbattle.gr/general-info.html

www.crossfit.com. (2013). A history of regional competition. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from https://games.crossfit.com/article/history-regional-competition

www.crossfit.com. (2015). Competition rule book. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from http://media.crossfit.com/games/pdf/2015crossfitgames_rulebook_150106.pdf

www.rallyfitness.com. (2014). Latest CrossFit market research data. Retrieved March 12, 2018, from https://rallyfitness.com/blogs/news/16063884-latest-crossfit-market-research-data

www.theboxnews.gr. (2014). Cross Battle 0.14: Ο Απόηχος των αγώνων. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from http://theboxnews.gr/cross-battle-0-14-ο-απόηχος-των-αγώνων/

www.theboxnews.gr. (2015). Cross Battle V Day 3: Οι Νικητές. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from http://www.theboxnews.gr/cross-battle-v-day-3.%250D%250A

www.theboxnews.gr. (2018). Τέλος τα Regionals - Δείτε πως θα θα διεξαχθούν τα CrossFit Games το 2019. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from http://theboxnews.gr/τέλος-τα-regionals-δείτε-πως-θα-θα-διεξαχθούν-τ/

Published

2023-04-09

How to Cite

Γιανζίνα Ε. (2023). Introduction to CrossFit: An initial analysis of the sport. Exercise and Society, 2. Retrieved from http://83.212.133.37/ojs/index.php/ExSoc/article/view/373

Issue

Section

Health and Exercise