Impact of CrossFit-Related Spinal Injuries

Abstract

CrossFit is a popular, high-intensity style workout with the potential to injure its participants. Spine injuries were the most common type of injury observed and frequently required surgical intervention.

Injuries in Novice Participants during an Eight-Week Start up CrossFit Program—A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Among the studies reporting an injury rate per 1000 h of exposure, the results seem to be relatively consistent with reported injury rates ranging from 0.74 to 3.3 per 1000 h of exposure [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]19]. However, the vast majority of studies have used retrospective study designs [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][13][14][15][16][17], and only one study [12] has been designed to prospectively investigate the IR (Injury Rate).…”

“…Several mechanisms for the presumed high number of injures have been discussed, including performing technical movements under high intensity close to exertion and even performing harmful movements [4,5]. However, these possible mechanisms are still undocumented, and a growing body of evidence concludes that the injury rates of CrossFit participants arecomparable to the injury rates of other noncontact sports such as Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Among the studies reporting an injury rate per 1000 h of exposure, the results seem to be relatively consistent with reported injury rates ranging from 0.74 to 3.3 per 1000 h of exposure [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]19].…”

“…However, these possible mechanisms are still undocumented, and a growing body of evidence concludes that the injury rates of CrossFit participants arecomparable to the injury rates of other noncontact sports such as Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Among the studies reporting an injury rate per 1000 h of exposure, the results seem to be relatively consistent with reported injury rates ranging from 0.74 to 3.3 per 1000 h of exposure [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]19]. However, the vast majority of studies have used retrospective study designs [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][13][14][15][16][17], and only one study [12] has been designed to prospectively investigate the IR (Injury Rate).…”

Validity, Reliability, and Application of the Session-RPE Method for Quantifying Training Loads during High Intensity Functional Training

“…Much of this criticism stems from the proposition that HIFT participation comes with an increased risk of bodily harm [4,5,6,7,8]. However, this contention is largely refuted by evidence showing participation in HIFT is no more dangerous than other common types of exercise activities [9,10,11].…”

Profiling the Isokinetic Muscle Strength of Athletes Involved in Sports Characterized by Constantly Varied Functional Movements Performed at High Intensity: A Cross‐Sectional Study

“…Sports characterized by constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity (FMHI) are characterized by aiming to improve cardiorespiratory condition, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, motor coordination, agility, and balance, have become more popular in recent years. Several studies have been published to verify the purported benefits and the risks associated with this kind of physical activity [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Commonly, there is a wide variety of sports involving FMHI, ranging from Olympic weightlifting to running and rowing, gymnastics, and powerlifting.…”