Inter-Rater and Test-Retest Reliability of an Innovative Evaluation Tool: CrossFit Functional Assessment Battery of Tests for the Shoulder Joint.

Background and objectives This study aims to introduce an innovative functional assessment tool designed for CrossFit athletes, to identify a high risk of injury at the shoulder joint. Additionally, the study seeks to examine both inter-rater reliability, which was tested in 40 CrossFit participants, and test-retest reliability, which was assessed in twenty subjects. Methodology CrossFit Functional Assessment Battery for the Shoulder Joint (CrossFit FABS) is a newly created instrument presented for the first time. The evaluation of the performance of its six items aimed to reveal deficits that could contribute to incidents of shoulder injuries. For this purpose, 40 healthy CrossFit participants were concurrently but independently examined by two raters, and twenty healthy adults active in sports were assessed by the main investigator at two different time points. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to analyze categorical data with an ordinal structure. Results Inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.824 to 1 (P = 0.000) and test-retest reliability was 0.661 to 0.906 (P < 0.001) for each test of CrossFit FABS. A strong to almost perfect correlation was demonstrated for all the variables between the two examiners. Moderate to almost perfect correlation was shown through test-retest procedures. Conclusions The proposed test battery was established as a reliable tool for evaluating performance routines that represent high injury-risk elements for the shoulder joint in CrossFit athletes.

High Intensity Functional Training for People with Parkinson's & Their Care Partners: A Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: Various forms of exercise have proven health benefits for people with Parkinson's (pwPD) yet high intensity functional training (HIFT) has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial impacts of a HIFT program for pwPD and their care partners (CPs). DESIGN: A single group, pre-post design with assessments before, in the middle (13 weeks), and after the 25-week intervention. SETTING: Community fitness facility. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen pwPD (10 at Hoehn Yahr Stage ≤2, 4 females) and 10 CPs (5 females) were included (mean age = 71.5 (6.1)). INTERVENTION: A 25-week HIFT program (≤49 exercise sessions, ≤75 min long). MEASURES: Recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and exercise intensity (measured via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) was assessed in addition to cardiovascular endurance, lower extremity strength, walking speed, balance, exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence, social support for exercise and health-related quality of life. ANALYSIS: Descriptive data was used to describe feasibility measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-program data. Effect size, r, was calculated. RESULTS: Recruitment rates were ≥40% for pwPD and CPs and retention rates were 80% for pwPD and 62.5% for CPs. Average session attendance was 71.2% with 15 adverse events reported, including 7 non-injurious falls. Median session-RPE was 5 (IQR = 1) out of 10. PwPD demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, self-selected and fast walking speeds, balance and social support for exercise. CPs demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and lower extremity strength. Exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence and health-related quality of life did not significantly change for pwPD or CPs. CONCLUSION: High intensity functional training appears feasible for pwPD and their CPs and may lead to health benefits. Healthcare providers should consider HIFT as another option to engage pwPD in community-based exercise.

Acute Effects of 30 g Cyclodextrin Intake during CrossFit® Training on Performance and Fatigue.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of carbohydrate intake (cyclodextrin) on performance during the performance of two consecutive workouts of the day (WODs) lasting 20 min each. Twenty-one male CrossFit (CF) athletes (29.5 ± 4.3 years; 72.81 ± 12.85 kg; 1.74 ± 0.06 m; 3.41 ± 1.21 years of experiences) participated in a crossover, randomized, and double-blind study. The effect of supplementation with 30 g of cyclodextrin (SG) (Cluster Dextrin®) or placebo (PG) (Bolero Advanced Hydration®) was evaluated on the performance of two specific WOD. Additionally, the effect on handgrip maximum strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), Wingate test, and 1 RM bench press test was evaluated. The effect on blood glucose and lactate was also evaluated. No differences were found in time, height, and power (W/Kg) in CMJ. However, there was a percentage improvement in CMJ jump power (W) (p < 0.05) between the groups, assuming an improvement in performance due to the intervention. Moreover, both conditions experimented differences in execution speed between sets (p < 0.05) in pre-WOD, and differences in post-WOD only in the placebo group, as well as decreases in this variable per repetition across the set (p < 0.01) in both conditions. However, no differences were found in the rest of the variables. Supplementation with 30 g of cyclodextrin did not have any metabolic or performance effects in CF tests. Although some differences between groups were observed in CMJ and power tests for bench press, the data are not conclusive and further research is needed in this regard.

Does sodium bicarbonate based extra-cellular buffering support reduce high intensity exercise-induced fatigue and enhance short-term recovery assessed by selected blood biochemical indices?

Exercise-induced metabolic processes induce muscle acidification which contributes to a reduction in the ability to perform repeated efforts. Alkalizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) prevent large blood pH changes, however, there is no evidence on whether regulation of acid-base balance may also support whole body homeostasis monitored through heamatological and biochemical blood markers in a dose-dependent manner. Thirty Cross-Fit-trained participants were studied in a randomized, multi cross-over, placebo (PLA)-controlled double-blind manner in which they performed a control session (CTRL, without supplementation), three NaHCO3 visits (three different doses) and PLA (sodium chloride in an equimolar amount of sodium as NaHCO3). Each visit consisted of two 30-s Wingate tests separated by CrossFit-specific benchmarks (Wall Balls and Burpees - both performed for 3 min). Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately post-exercise and after 45 min recovery. Significant differences between visits appeared for blood pH, percentage of lymphocytes and granulocytes, red blood cells count and haemoglobin concentration at post-exercise and 45-min recovery, and for white blood cells count, percentage of monocytes, concentration of magnesium and creatinine at 45-min recovery. Most of the observed differences for heamatological and biochemical markers were significant compared to CTRL, but not different after PLA. NaHCO3 supplementation compared to PLA did not significantly affect exercise or recovery shifts in studied blood indicators. However, the changes in these markers after NaHCO3 and PLA in relation to CTRL indicate a possible role of sodium.

Prevalence of degenerative vertebral disc changes in elite female Crossfit athletes - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Crossfit athletes consistently recruit or transfer high levels of repetitive forces through the spine, and MRI has documented a higher rate of intervertebral disc degeneration in athletes compared with matched controls. The aim of this study was to evaluate early degenerative spinal disc changes in elite female CrossFit athletes quantified by 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) matched with female none-athletes. METHODS: In a cross-sectional single-center study 19 asymptomatic adult participants, nine German female elite Crossfit athletes and ten female participants underwent spinal MRI (3.0T). Demographic data, spinal clinical examination results and sport-specific performance parameters were collected prior to the MRI. The primary outcome was the prevalence of degenerative spinal disc changes. The secondary outcome was the grade of degeneration using Pfirrmann grading. RESULTS: A total of 437 discs underwent spinal MRI (3.0T). The prevalence of early degenerative disc disease was not increased. Pfirrmann degenerative grade did not show significant differences among groups. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic female elite Crossfit athletes do not show an increased prevalence of degenerative disc disease. Compared to a sex-matched control group, high training volume in Crossfit does not correlate to a higher incidence of degenerative disc changes in young females.

Dermatoglyphic Profiles of Competitive Athletes: CrossFit and Ultra-Marathon / Perfiles Dermatoglíficos de Deportistas Competitivos: CrossFit y Ultramaratón

SUMMARY: In the sports field, sports are usually classified according to the predominance of the energy system used during the competition; sports like Crossfit and ultra-marathon could be totally opposite due to the needs of athletes to achieve good places. Due to the above, the objective was established to compare the dermatoglyphic profiles of CrossFit and Ultra-marathon athletes according to the predisposition of the energy systems, aerobic and anaerobic, used in the competitions. Cross-sectional descriptive study, where the dermatoglyphic profile of 21 athletes of national presence (10 crossfit and 11 ultra-marathon runners) was determined, through the Computerized Dermatoglyphic System, brand Salus Dermatoglifia, according to the Cummins and Midlo protocol, which consists of taking the fingerprints of the 10 fingers of the hands. The fingerprint designs of the human being (arch, loop and whorl) and the elements contained in them (nucleus and delta) were analyzed, differences were established through the Analysis of Variance test in the SPSS V.25 statistical package. The results show significant differences between the average scores of the line count of both disciplines (108 and 165), being higher in ultra-marathon runners, associated with greater aerobic resistance. Another significant and relevant finding was the presence of arch-type fingerprints only in CrossFit athletes associated, along with low line count, with strength and power. It is concluded that Crossfit and Ultra-marathon athletes have dissimilar natural physical characteristics, which is why they participate and excel in different sports where they have enhanced their natural physical abilities through training.

En el ámbito deportivo, los deportes suelen clasificarse según el predominio del sistema energético utilizado durante la competición; Deportes como el Crossfit y la ultramaratón podrían ser totalmente opuestos debido a las necesidades de los deportistas de conseguir buenos lugares. Debido a lo anterior, se estableció como objetivo comparar los perfiles dermatoglíficos de atletas de CrossFit y Ultramaratón según la predisposición de los sistemas energéticos, aeróbico y anaeróbico, utilizados en las competencias. Estudio descriptivo transversal, donde se determinó el perfil dermatoglífico de 21 deportistas de presencia nacional (10 crossfit y 11 ultramaratonistas), a través del Sistema Dermatoglífico Computarizado, marca Salus Dermatoglifia, según el protocolo Cummins y Midlo, el cual consta de tomando las huellas dactilares de los 10 dedos de las manos. Se analizaron los diseños dactilares del ser humano (arco, asa y verticilo) y los elementos contenidos en ellos (núcleo y delta), se establecieron diferencias mediante la prueba de Análisis de Varianza en el paquete estadístico SPSS V.25. Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas entre las puntuaciones medias del recuento de líneas de ambas disciplinas (108 y 165), siendo superiores en los corredores de ultramaratón, asociado a una mayor resistencia aeróbica. Otro hallazgo significativo y relevante fue la presencia de huellas dactilares tipo arco sólo en atletas de CrossFit asociadas, junto con un bajo número de líneas, con fuerza y potencia. Se concluye que los atletas de Crossfit y Ultramaratón tienen características físicas naturales disímiles, por lo que participan y destacan en diferentes deportes donde han potenciado sus capacidades físicas naturales a través del entrenamiento.

Astaxanthin Supplementation Augments the Benefits of CrossFit Workouts on Semaphorin 3C and Other Adipokines in Males with Obesity.

Regular physical activity and the use of nutritional supplements, including antioxidants, are recognized as efficacious approaches for the prevention and mitigation of obesity-related complications. This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of CrossFit training combined with astaxanthin (ASX) supplementation on some plasma adipokines in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity (BMI: 33.6 ± 1.4 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CG; n = 11), ASX supplementation group (SG; n = 11), CrossFit group (TG; n = 11), and training plus supplement group (TSG; n = 11). Participants underwent 12 weeks of supplementation with ASX or placebo (20 mg/day capsule daily), CrossFit training, or a combination of both interventions. Plasma levels of semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), apelin, chemerin, omentin1, visfatin, resistin, adiponectin, leptin, vaspin, and RBP4 were measured 72 h before the first training session and after the last training session. The plasma levels of all measured adipokines were significantly altered in SG, TG, and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The reduction of resistin was significantly higher in TSG than in SG (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of omentin1 were significantly higher in both training groups of TG and TSG than SG (p < 0.05), although such a meaningful difference was not observed between both training groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the reductions of plasma levels of vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemerin, and SEMA3C between the SG and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The study found that a 12-week intervention using ASX supplementation and CrossFit exercises resulted in significant improvements in several adipokines among male individuals with obesity. Notably, the combined approach of supplementation and training had the most pronounced results. The findings presented in this study indicate that the supplementation of ASX and participation in CrossFit exercise have the potential to be effective therapies in mitigating complications associated with obesity and enhancing metabolic health.

The Effects of 24-h Fasting on Exercise Performance and Metabolic Parameters in a Pilot Study of Female CrossFit Athletes.

Many studies have tested intermittent fasting (IF) in athletes, but its effects on female CrossFit athletes remain relatively unexplored in the existing literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of 24-h IF on the physical performance of female CrossFit practitioners. Eleven female CrossFit athletes (age: 30.91 ± 3.42, weight: 65.26 ± 7.55 kg, height: 1.66 ± 0.05 m) participated in the study. The study used a crossover design with fasting and eating conditions. Participants completed an exercise test, standing long jump, and handgrip strength assessment. Hydration status, heart rate, blood lactate, blood glucose, rates of perceived exertion, and hunger were measured. Results showed significant differences in blood lactate concentration (F = 5.435, p = 0.042, η2p = 0.352). Resting blood lactate concentration was significantly lower in the fasting trial than in the eating trial (p < 0.001), but post-exercise blood lactate concentrations were higher in the fasting trial than in the eating trial (p < 0.001). No differences were found in performance times (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this pilot study of females suggests that 24-h fasting does not impair exercise performance or negatively affect physiological parameters in CrossFit athletes.

Influence of CrossFit and Deep End Fitness training on mental health and coping in athletes.

Physical exercise is known to improve mental health. Athletes can experience unique physical and emotional stressors, which can deteriorate mental health and cognitive function. Training apathy can lead to cognitive dissonance and further degrade performance by promoting maladaptive, avoidance coping strategies. Introduction of psychosocial and training variables, such as those used in CrossFit (CF) and other community-based fitness programs with strong peer support have been shown to help reduce training apathy and negative affect. Here, we explored whether addition of psychophysiological variation, experienced as "hunger for air" during underwater breath-hold exercises, could provide unique mental health benefits for athletes. We studied the influence of CF and Deep End Fitness (DEF), a community-based underwater fitness program, on several outcome measures of mental health and emotional well-being in volunteer athletes. We observed a significant reduction in stress scores of both the control CF training group and the experimental DEF group. We found that DEF produced a significant improvement in positive affect while CF training did not. Further supportive of our hypothesis that the psychological and biological stressors experienced in underwater, breath-hold training cause positive adaptive changes and benefits, DEF training uniquely increased problem-based coping. While our observations demonstrate both CF and DEF training can improve mental health in athletes, DEF produced additional, unique benefits to positive coping and attitudes of athletes. Future studies should further evaluate the broader benefits of community-based, underwater training programs on psychological and physiological health in athletes and the public.

Spinal Muscle Thickness and Activation during Abdominal Hollowing and Bracing in CrossFit® Athletes.

Exercises that improve muscle activation are essential for maintaining spinal stability and preventing low back pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of abdominal hollowing and bracing on the activation of the core muscles in CrossFit® participants using ultrasound and electromyography (EMG). Twenty-four healthy adults aged 21 to 42 years old with at least two years of CrossFit® experience performed three core stability exercises (plank, side plank, bridge) with abdominal hollowing and bracing. We measured the ultrasound relative thickness of the local core muscles (transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and lumbar multifidus), and the EMG percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the global core muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, and iliocostalis lumborum). Analysis of variance tests showed that the relative thickness of the local core muscles was greater (p = 0.016) during hollowing (range from 26.8 ± 5.33 to 88.4 ± 11.9% of rest) than bracing (range from 15.9 ± 3.54 to 61.2 ± 15.9% of rest), while the EMG of the global muscles was greater (p = 0.001) in bracing (range from 24.4 ± 7.30 to 72.5 ± 9.17% of MVC) than hollowing (range from 16.4 ± 3.70 to 56.6 ± 7.65% of MVC). These results indicate that the recruitment of spinal muscles during popular exercises is achieved with both hollowing and bracing. Nevertheless, it appears that hollowing tends to recruit more of the local muscles, whilst bracing recruits more of the global muscles. The grading of the exercises varied between muscles and varied between maneuvers, especially for the surface abdominals and lumbar muscles. CrossFit® practitioners can choose to use either hollowing or bracing to activate their core muscles more selectively or more appropriately, depending on the goal and purpose of the exercise.

A Workout to Remember: CrossFit-Induced Vertebral Artery Dissection.

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a cause of brain stem stroke in the younger population and is commonly associated with trauma, sudden neck movement, or chiropractic manipulations. In this case, a 28-year-old male with a non-significant past medical history who recently started a CrossFit boot camp presented to the emergency department with right-sided neck pain, dysarthria, mild right gaze paresis, right dysmetria, and right facial droop with symptoms of Horner's syndrome. Imaging results revealed an age-indeterminate left lateral cerebellar infarct with right VAD. The goal of management is to prevent stroke, which is done with anticoagulation and potentially thrombolytic therapy if there are no contraindications. The patient received thrombolytic therapy and was treated with conservative management. The prognosis is good for patients who survive the initial dissection and are treated in this manner. It is important to obtain a thorough history of young and healthy patients who present with concerning neurologic symptoms so that precipitating activities are not missed.

Trunk, Mass Grasp, Knee, and Hip Muscle Performance in CrossFit Participants: Reference Values According to Participants' Sex and Limb Dominance.

Background: CrossFit is characterized by a diverse range of exercises recruiting different muscles and requiring different muscle functions. A characterization of muscular performance parameters in this population is needed. Purpose: To determine reference values for various aspects of muscular performance of muscles of the trunk, thigh, hip, and mass grasp in CrossFit participants. Also, this investigation aimed to compare the strength measures between male and female CrossFit participants, as well as between dominant and non-dominant limbs. Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Methods: Isometric strength of trunk extensors (TE) and mass grasp was measured with handheld and Jamar dynamometer respectively. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the muscle performance of the knee flexors (KF) and extensors (KE) (at 60º/s and 300º/s), and hip flexors (HF), extensors (HE), and abductors (HA) (60º/s and 240º/s ). Reference values for torque, work, power, fatigue, flexor:extensor ratio for the knee (hamstring:quadriceps - H:Q) and hip (HF:HE) joints were calculated. The torque and work values were normalized by the body mass. Mixed multivariate and univariate analyses of variance and independent t-tests were used for statistical analyses to compare between sexes and limbs. Results: Participants included 111 individuals (58 males and 53 females) with at least one year of experience in CrossFit. Normative data are provided for the outcome variables. Males had greater values of muscular performance parameters than females in most variables (p<0.05). Also, the dominant limb had greater mass grasp strength (p<0.002), greater KE power at 60º/s (p=0.015), lower H:Q ratio at 60º/s (p=0.021) and 300º/s (p=0.008), and lower KE fatigue (p=0.002). Conclusion: This study provides reference values for the trunk extensors, mass grasp, knee, and hip muscle performance in male and female CrossFit practitioners. Their muscle performance profile was characterized by few inter-limb asymmetries, and males demonstrated greater muscular performance outcomes than females, even after normalization by body mass. These reference values can be used for comparisons in research and clinical settings. Level of Evidence: 3b.

Humeral Fracture in a Young CrossFit Practitioner.

CrossFit (CrossFit Inc, Washington, DC) is a recent, high-intensity strength and conditioning sport that is growing in popularity worldwide. Potential risks and injuries have been described in previous reports. Distal humeral fractures without direct trauma were related to sports like baseball or wrestling. However, they have never been reported in a CrossFit athlete. We present the first case of distal humeral fracture associated with a CrossFit workout, during a gymnastic movement. Our patient had no relevant medical history but the investigation revealed reduced vitamin D levels and low bone density. The patient was surgically treated and he completed the rehabilitation program. He returned to sports practice 12 weeks after the surgery.

Betaine supplementation improves CrossFit performance and increases testosterone levels, but has no influence on Wingate power: randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Because betaine (BET) supplementation may improve muscular strength and endurance, it seems plausible that BET will also influence CrossFit performance (CF). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three weeks of BET supplementation on body composition, CF performance, muscle power in the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), and the concentrations of selected hormones. The secondary aims were to analyze the effectiveness of two different BET doses (2.5 and 5.0 g/d) and their interaction with the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype. METHODS: The study was designed in a double-blinded randomized cross-over fashion. Forty-three CF practitioners completed the entire study. CF performance was measured using the Fight Gone Bad (FGB) workout and muscle power was evaluated in a 30-second WAnT. Body composition was determined by air-displacement plethysmography. Blood was drawn to assess hormone concentrations. The C677T single nucleotide polymorphism (rs180113) in the MTHFR gene was analyzed. RESULTS: FGB total improved with BET by 8.7 ± 13.6% (p < 0.001), but no significant changes were observed with placebo (- 0.4 ± 10.0%, p = 0.128). No changes were also observed in WAnT and body composition. After BET supplementation testosterone concentration increased by 7.0 ± 15.4% with BET (p = 0.046) (no change with placebo: 1.5 ± 19.6%, p = 0.884) but had no effect on concentrations of insulin-like growth factor or cortisol. Finally, there were no significant interactions between MTHFR genotype and BET dose in any outcome. CONCLUSIONS: BET supplementation may improve CF performance and increase testosterone concentration. However, there was no evidence of a difference between dosages (2.5 and 5.0 g/d) and MTHFR genotypes. The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03702205) on 10 October 2018.

Injury epidemiology in competing and non-competing spanish crossfit® practitioners / Epidemiología lesional en practicantes de crossfit® competidores y no competidores españoles

La falta de estudios sobre lesiones en Crossfit® en España, motiva la realización de este estudio epidemiológico descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo, analizando la incidencia y las características de las lesiones sufridas por practicantes de Crossfit® competidores y no competidores. Se registraron las lesiones sufridas por 434 deportistas entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Se registraron datos sobre el número de lesiones, lesiones más frecuentes, distribución, tipo, ubicación, el momento en que ocurrieron y la causa de las lesiones que afectan el sistema musculoesquelético. La tasa de lesiones en esta población fue de 3,48 lesiones por 1000 horas de exposición al riesgo. El hombro y la zona lumbar fueron las zonas anatómicas más frecuentemente lesionadas, siendo el musculo y el tendón el tejido de asiento más habitual de las lesiones. El Powerlifting fue la actividad más lesiva. (AU)

The lack of studies on Crossfit® injuries in Spain, motivates the realization of this descriptive, observational and retrospective epidemiological study, analyzing the incidence and characteristics of injuries suffered by Crossfit® competitors and non-competitors.The injuries suffered by 434 athletes between from January 1st to December 31st 2019 were recorded. We collected data on the number of injuries, the most frequent injuries, their distribution, type, location, the moment at which these occurred and the cause of the injuries affecting the musculoeskeletal system. We found that the injury rate in this population was 3,48 injuries per 1000 hours of risk. The shoulder and lumbar area were the most frequently injured anatomical areas, with muscle and tendon being the most common seat tissue of injuries. Powerlifting was the most damaging activity. (AU)

CrossFit®: 'Unknowable' or Predictable?-A Systematic Review on Predictors of CrossFit® Performance.

The functional fitness training program CrossFit® is experiencing fast-growing and widespread popularity with day-to-day varying 'Workouts of the Day' (WOD). Even among tactical athletes, the training program is widely applied. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data on which parameters influence CrossFit® performance. For this reason, the purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature to identify and summarize predictors of CrossFit® performance and performance enhancement. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of the following databases was conducted in April 2022: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science. Using the keyword 'CrossFit', 1264 entries are found, and 21 articles are included based on the eligibility criteria. In summary, the studies show conflicting results, and no specific key parameter was found that predicts CrossFit® performance regardless of the type of WOD. In detail, the findings indicate that physiological parameters (in particular, body composition) and high-level competitive experience have a more consistent influence than specific performance variables. Nevertheless, in one-third of the studies, high total body strength (i.e., CrossFit® Total performance) and trunk strength (i.e., back squat performance) correlate with higher workout scores. For the first time, this review presents a summary of performance determinants in CrossFit®. From this, a guiding principle for training strategies may be derived, suggesting that a focus on body composition, body strength, and competition experience may be recommended for CrossFit® performance prediction and performance enhancement.

Non-Traditional Physical Education Classes Improve High School Students' Movement Competency and Fitness: A Mixed-Methods Program Evaluation Study.

Non-traditional physical education (PE) programs may facilitate functional movement patterns and develop fitness and work capacity to facilitate long-term physical activity. This program evaluation study compared changes in body composition, movement competency, work capacity, and fitness for high school students in CrossFit or weight training PE; both classes were hypothesized to improve each area, with greater improvements in the CrossFit class. Students participated in 57 min classes 4 days per week for 9 months. Measures including body composition, movement competencies (squat, lunge, push-up, pull-up, hinge, and brace), work capacity (two CrossFit workouts), and fitness (air squats, push-ups, inverted row, plank hold, horizontal and vertical jumps, 5 rep max back squat and press, 500 m bike, and 12 min run) were taken at baseline, midpoint, and post-test. Focus groups to assess students' experiences and outcomes were conducted at post-test. Students significantly improved in movement competencies (ps = 0.034 to <0.001), work capacity (ps < 0.001), and all fitness tests (ps = 0.036 to <0.001). The CrossFit class was only superior on the 500 m bike. Four themes were identified from the focus groups: (1) increased self-confidence, (2) health improvements, (3) newfound community, and (4) translational sports improvements. Future research should examine changes using an experimental design.

Musculoskeletal Injuries and Risk Factors in Spanish CrossFit® Practitioners.

CrossFit® Training is a physical and sports-conditioning system based on constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. CrossFit® has been shown to significantly improve general physical performance and body composition. Although there seems to be an association between the practice of CrossFit® and musculoskeletal injuries, the relationship between CrossFit® and injury risks has been poorly studied. The main objective of this study was to establish the relationship between CrossFit® and musculoskeletal injuries. Secondary objectives were the analysis of various risk factors and injury and the comparison of the incidence of CrossFit® injuries to that of other sports. An online questionnaire was distributed to gyms affiliated with CrossFit®, Inc. in the Principality of Asturias, Spain in order to carry out a retrospective transversal descriptive study. The frequency of injuries in CrossFit® is similar to most sports. Injuries are often minor and of short duration, with the shoulder being the most affected joint complex.

Respuestas autonómicas y análisis de la carga interna mediante la evaluación aguda de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca tras una sesión de entrenamiento funcional de alta intensidad / Autonomic responses and internal load analysis through acute assessment of heart rate variability after a high-intensity functional training session

Backgroud: Heart rate variability (HRV) measurement is an important tool that may help indicate possible physiological changes, and HRV monitorization could be a great strategy for clinical analysis (autonomic control) and performance (internal load).Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate autonomic responses and internal load through HRV during a higintensity functional training (HIFT) session.Material and method: Thirty-three individuals (22 men and 11 women) participated in the study (Age: Mean = 34.9 ± 7.2years; Weight: Mean = 72.3 ± 13.7 kg; Height: Mean = 1.72 ± 0.1 m; BMI: Mean = 24.4 ± 3.0 kg/m²). All participants engaged ina 60-to-90-minute HIFT session. HRV analysis was performed during the specific warm-up period (targeted warm-up or skilltraining that followed the general mobility and light cardiovascular warm-up), during exercise (approximately 50 minutes),and in the recovery phase (10 minutes post-training). A Polar H10 heart rate monitor chest strap (Kempele, Finland®) wasused to collect HRV and was connected to the Elite HRV mobile application. The data were further transferred to Kubios HRVStandart software, version 3.3.1, in order to process the acquired data.Results: For isolated analyzes (pre- and post-), differences were found for SDNN (P<0.001), RMSSD (P<0.001) and HF(P=0.041), yet not for LF / HF (P=0.483). In the analysis of HRV kinetics, significant results were found between momentsfor RR, SDNN, RMSSD, LF and HF (P<0.05). In the analysis of the internal load, the highest level of stress was identified in 40(P=0.010) and 50 minutes of exercise (P=0.001), as well as in recovery (P<0.001), this assessment being carried out throughHRV through the LnRMSSD index. A negative correlation was observed between maximum heart rate (HRmax) and LnRMSSDat 40 (r=-0.51) and 50 minutes of exercise (r=-0.58). In recovery, the correlation was positive, yet insignificant (r=0.032)...(AU)

Introducción: La medición de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (HRV) es una herramienta importante que puedeayudar a indicar posibles cambios fisiológicos. La monitorización de la HRV podría ser una gran estrategia para el análisisclínico (control autonómico) y el rendimiento (carga interna).Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las respuestas autonómicas y la carga interna a través de la VFC duranteuna sesión de entrenamiento funcional de alta intensidad (HIFT).Material y método: Treinta y tres individuos (22 hombres y 11 mujeres) participaron en el estudio (Edad: Media = 34,9 ±7,2 años; Peso: Media = 72,3 ± 13,7 kg; Altura: Media = 1,72 ± 0,1 m; IMC: Media = 24,4 ± 3,0 kg / m²). Todos los participantesparticiparon en una sesión HIFT de 60 a 90 minutos. El análisis de la VFC se realizó durante el periodo de calentamiento específico (calentamiento dirigido o entrenamiento de habilidades que seguía al calentamiento cardiovascular ligero y demovilidad general), durante el ejercicio (aproximadamente 50 minutos) y en la fase de recuperación (10 minutos despuésdel entrenamiento). Se utilizó una banda de pecho con pulsómetro Polar H10 (Kempele, Finlandia®) para recoger la VFC y seconectó a la aplicación móvil Elite HRV. Los datos se transfirieron posteriormente al software Kubios HRV Standart, versión3.3.1, para procesar los datos adquiridos.Resultados: En los análisis aislados (pre y post), se encontraron diferencias para SDNN (p <0,001), RMSSD (p <0,001) y HF(p = 0,041), pero no para LF / HF (p = 0,483). En el análisis de la cinética de la VFC, se encontraron resultados significativos entremomentos para RR, SDNN, RMSSD, LF y HF (p <0,05). En el análisis de la carga interna, el mayor nivel de estrés se identificóen 40 (p = 0,010) y 50 minutos de ejercicio (p = 0,001), así como en la recuperación (p <0,001), realizándose esta valoración...(AU)

Impact on habitual crossfit participant's exercise behavior, health, and well-being: A cross-sectional survey of UK COVID-19 lockdowns.

Background and Aims: The period between March 2020 and March 2021 saw an unprecedented change to everyday life due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the closure of businesses in the health and fitness sector. Such closures impacted people in several ways; increasing stress, reducing mental well-being, and decreasing motivation to exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of UK lockdowns on the behavior, motives, and general health & well-being of CrossFit™ gym members in the United Kingdom. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 757 CrossFit™ participants (height 1.71 ± 0.10 m; weight 76.4 ± 16.1 kg; body mass index [BMI]: 26.1 ± 4.7 kg/m²) using an online survey, which included questions pertaining to COVID-19, lockdown behaviors, motivation, health, and well-being. Participants also reported on their training background and exercise habits during lockdown restrictions. Results: Differences were observed in levels of exercise (p = 0.004), motivation to train at home (p < 0.001), and the feeling of being more stressed during the second lockdown compared with the first lockdown (p = 0.008). It was also highlighted that motivation to exercise was lower and stress levels significantly higher, in the 18-24 and 25-34 age groups compared with older ages groups. Conclusion: This study found that exercise behavior, motivation, and stress levels were significantly impacted by the second government-imposed lockdown. It is argued that these factors need to be addressed in planning for future National lockdowns to maintain the health and well-being of UK residents, especially in younger adults.