CrossFit Overview: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundCrossFit is recognized as one of the fastest growing high-intensity functional training modes in the world. However, scientific data regarding the practice of CrossFit is sparse. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the findings of scientific literature related to CrossFit via systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsSystematic searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Bireme/MedLine, and SciELO online databases were conducted for articles reporting the effects of CrossFit training. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The Oxford Levels of Evidence was used for all included articles, and only studies that investigated the effects of CrossFit as a training program were included in the meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, effect sizes (ESs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed using a random-effects model.ResultsThirty-one articles were included in the systematic review and four were included in the meta-analysis. However, only two studies had a high level of evidence at low risk of bias. Scientific literature related to CrossFit has reported on body composition, psycho-physiological parameters, musculoskeletal injury risk, life and health aspects, and psycho-social behavior. In the meta-analysis, significant results were not found for any variables.ConclusionsThe current scientific literature related to CrossFit has few studies with high level of evidence at low risk of bias. However, preliminary data has suggested that CrossFit practice is associated with higher levels of sense of community, satisfaction, and motivation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s40798-018-0124-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Motives, Motivation and Exercise Behavioral Regulations in CrossFit and Resistance Training Participants

“…Workout environment in CrossFit group may have direct effects on competition and enjoyment scores, in which are comparable with that presented in sports practice (Claudino et al, 2018). Kilpatrick, Herbert and Bartholomew (2005) showed greater motivation to participate in sport than to regular exercise for affiliation, challenge, enjoyment and social recognition.…”

“…In according to this data, Fisher et al (2017) found similar findings comparing CrossFit members and participants who performed RT, with or without a personal trainer. A greater sense of community and social interactions seems to be particular characteristics in CrossFit workouts (Claudino et al, 2018). Affiliation motive is classified as an intrinsic goal, while social recognition is derived from extrinsic reason of receiving attention from others for physical abilities and performance (Wallhead, Garn, & Vidoni, 2013).…”

Physiological predictors of competitive performance in CrossFit® athletes

“…Research in CrossFit performance has exponentially grown in recent years, but there is still scarce information on the performance determinants of this sport (1). In the present study lower-body muscle – as measured by jump ability and PPO during the WAnT – appeared as one of the strongest predictors of performance.…”

“…CrossFit is a strength and conditioning exercise program that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and traditional ‘aerobic’ exercise modalities (e.g., running, rowing, cycling), all of which are performed as quickly as possible within different types of workout sessions – known as “Workout of the Day” (WOD) (1). Despite the popularity of this type of training (1) as well as that of CrossFit competitions (known as Opens, and consisting of five WODs performed consecutively during one month), there is scarce evidence on the determinants of performance in this sport (2–5).…”

Вплив Занять Кросфітом На Психічний Стан Та Якість Життя Молоді

“…Тренування за системою кросфіт спрямовані на розвиток витривалості, швидкісних і силових якостей, координації, спритності та балансу. При конструюванні занять використовують елементи різних видів спорту -гімнастики, важкої й легкої атлетики тощо [4]. Заняття містять вправи високої інтенсивності, які потрібно повторювати багаторазово, виконувати швидко, при цьому відновлення між вправами практично відсутнє або мінімальне.…”