Is Resistance Training a Protective Factor for Musculoskeletal Injuries in Crossfit Practitioners?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries associated with CrossFit® practitioners and the relationship of this prevalence among those who concomitantly perform resistance training (RT). Methods: Cross-sectional study in which adult participants of both sexes were included, who answered a mixed morbidity questionnaire adapted. The participants were allocated into groups according to whether or not they practiced another modality along with CrossFit®, with emphasis on RT. Analytical and descriptive statistics procedures were used, with a statistical significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: A total of 179 participants were included in the study. Prevalences of musculoskeletal injuries were observed in the overall study sample of 32.4% and in those who perform CrossFit® with RT of 30.8%. The injury prevalence ratio for this group was 0.95, with lower injury prevalence for the upper limbs (p=0.03) and lower limbs (p=0.02). It is worth noting that 96% of the CrossFit® and RT practitioners did strength training focused only on the upper and/or lower limb musculatures, without specific training for the anatomical segment of the Core (lumbar and pelvis). Conclusion: RT associated with CrossFit® and covering all anatomical segments, can be considered a protective factor for the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries in CrossFit®. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.