Comparison of Cardiovascular Parameters and Internal Training Load of Different 1-h Training Sessions in Non-elite CrossFit® Athletes

Abstract

Purpose The fact that CrossFit® is the best-known and rapidly growing concept for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) results in a continuous increase of athletes performing CrossFit®. In the more than 15,000 CrossFit® Affiliates worldwide, the training concept is usually offered in 1-h training sessions containing the CrossFit®-related workout of the day (WOD), as well as a general warm-up, movement demonstrations, and skill training. Here, we report how physiological parameters measured by heart rate (HR) values vary during four different 1-h CrossFit® training sessions of non-elite athletes (n = 27) in a local affiliated training center and what influencing factors may exist. Methods The duration of the 1-h training sessions were divided into a warm-up part (WU-part), a skill development part combined with strength exercises (A-part), followed by the WOD part (B-part). Results Analysis of HR values shows high training intensity (≥ 91% HRmax) not throughout the duration of each training session, only during B-part. The mean HR values in B-part differ significantly compared to the remaining training parts (P < 0.001) for all four training sessions. Comparison of different CrossFit® experience levels revealed no significant difference in acute physiological demands and training load between beginner and experienced CrossFit® athletes. Conclusion Our results may suggest that practicing CrossFit® in 1-h training sessions combined anaerobic and aerobic exercise intensities, with the training concept allows beginners and experienced athletes to be trained with the same cardiovascular responses and training intensities.

Physiological effects of regular CrossFit® training and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—A systematic review

“…The included studies of Part A ( n = 8) of this systematic review are most of a cross-sectional design. Here, physiological responses to CrossFit ® training are described in terms of pre- and post-training ( n = 5) ( Cronin et al, 2016 ; Tibana et al, 2016 ; Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; García-Fernández et al, 2021 ; Dias et al, 2022 ) and/or compared between groups ( n = 3) ( Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ; Meier et al, 2022b ). Study sample sizes range from 9 to 50 participants, with more than half of the studies including only men ( n = 5) ( Tibana et al, 2016 ; Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ; Dias et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Study sample sizes range from 9 to 50 participants, with more than half of the studies including only men ( n = 5) ( Tibana et al, 2016 ; Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ; Dias et al, 2022 ). Among the participants, the inclusion criteria of four studies are at least 6 months of CrossFit ® experience ( Tibana et al, 2016 ; Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Meier et al, 2022b ; Dias et al, 2022 ), two studies at least 12 months ( Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ), and one study at least 18 months ( García-Fernández et al, 2021 ); however, in one study the training status “well-trained” is not further specified ( Cronin et al, 2016 ). Adherence to the CrossFit ® training principles of the interventions is present across the majority through training at an affiliated training center and supervision by CrossFit ® Level 1 or Level 2 trainer ( Cronin et al, 2016 ; Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ; Meier et al, 2022b ).…”

“…Among the participants, the inclusion criteria of four studies are at least 6 months of CrossFit ® experience ( Tibana et al, 2016 ; Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Meier et al, 2022b ; Dias et al, 2022 ), two studies at least 12 months ( Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ), and one study at least 18 months ( García-Fernández et al, 2021 ); however, in one study the training status “well-trained” is not further specified ( Cronin et al, 2016 ). Adherence to the CrossFit ® training principles of the interventions is present across the majority through training at an affiliated training center and supervision by CrossFit ® Level 1 or Level 2 trainer ( Cronin et al, 2016 ; Cavedon et al, 2020 ; Faelli et al, 2020 ; Meier et al, 2022b ). In addition, interventions are implemented according to the CrossFit ® training programming template ( Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Dias et al, 2022 ) or movements standards set by the International Functional Fitness Federation (iF3) ( García-Fernández et al, 2021 ), and subjects are selected from the ECP community ( Tibana et al, 2016 ).…”

“…The variables analyzed are HR, BLC, BGC, RPE, CMJ, Cortisol, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, Sweat loss and rate, Fluid intake and replacement, Uric acid, and Osteoprotegerin. In five included studies, HR was measured pre-, during-, and post-workout ( Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Cavedon et al, 2020 ; García-Fernández et al, 2021 ; Meier et al, 2022b ; Dias et al, 2022 ). When HR was specified separately for each segment of CrossFit ® training, a progressive cardiovascular load increase was described during 1-h training sessions ( Meier et al, 2022b ; Dias et al, 2022 ).…”

“…In five included studies, HR was measured pre-, during-, and post-workout ( Carreker and Grosicki, 2020 ; Cavedon et al, 2020 ; García-Fernández et al, 2021 ; Meier et al, 2022b ; Dias et al, 2022 ). When HR was specified separately for each segment of CrossFit ® training, a progressive cardiovascular load increase was described during 1-h training sessions ( Meier et al, 2022b ; Dias et al, 2022 ). As a result, mean HR and RPE increased significantly during each segment, and beginner and experienced athletes were able to exercise to maximal capacity with no significant differences in cardiovascular responses to the training stimulus.…”