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

Abstract

Background: Previously published studies have reported injury rates ranging from 0.74 to 3.3 per 1000 h of exposure in CrossFit participants. However, the existing body of evidence is mainly based on experienced participants; therefore, the injury incidence and injury rate within novice CrossFit participants remains relatively unknown. The aim of this study wasto investigate the injury incidence and injury rate among novice participants in an eight-week CrossFit program. Methods: This survey-based prospective cohort study included CrossFit Copenhagen’s novice members who began an eight-week, free-of-charge membership period. A questionnaire was distributed at baseline and at eight-week follow-up. Information about exposure was retrieved through the online booking system. Injury incidence, defined as proportion of participants who sustained an injury, and injury rates per 1000 h of exposure were calculated. Results: Among the 168 included participants, a total of 28 injuries (14.9%) were reported. The number of injured participants and total exposure time resulted in an injury rate per 1000 h of exposure of 9.5. Conclusions: Compared to the existing body of evidence, the findings in this study indicate that the risk of injuries is higher among novice participants than among experienced CrossFit participants.

CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks

“…To prevent injuries, the scope and intensity of the exercises in the CrossFit must be increased slowly, scalable and carefully. At this point the injury reducing influence of supervision by qualified coaches becomes apparent [40] ; especially among novice participants who seem more prone to injury than experienced participants [21] . Also, this includes the adequate exercise selection for females with urinary incontinence problems which are more likely to occur in CrossFit [6] .…”

“…Previously published studies have reported injury rates ranging from 0.74 to 3.3 per 1000 h CrossFit training ( [9] , [15] , [21] ). On the basis of these studies, the injury incidence in CrossFit is comparable or slightly higher to related sports, including gymnastics, weightlifting and powerlifting with a 2b evidence level [5] , [15] , [20] ), but lower than in game sports and other traditional sport disciplines [35] .…”

Correlation between previous sedentary lifestyle and CrossFit-related injuries

“…(5)(6)(7) However, no evidence that CrossFit is associated with a higher incidence of injuries relative to other sports has been given so far and the rate of CrossFit-related injuries (0.74 to 3.3 per 1,000 hours of training) is similar to sports such as weightlifting, gymnastics and tennis. (5,8,9) Risk factors for higher incidence of CrossFit-related injuries are athletic skills, hours of training, participation in competitions and trainer supervision. (5)(6)(7) CrossFit has appealed to physically active as well as sedentary individuals.…”

Verletzungshäufigkeit und -prävalenz beim CrossFit® in Deutschland

“…Aus diesem Grund wurden verschiedene Studien aus unterschiedlichen Ländern zur Häufigkeit und Ursache von Verletzungen im CF durchgeführt, u. a. in Dänemark, Brasilien, Italien, den Niederlanden, Portugal und den USA [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17] (p = 0,778). Teilnehmer mit mehr als 6 Monaten Trainingserfahrung verletzten sich signifikant häufiger (≤6 Monate: 0,4 ± 0,6 Verletzungen; >6 Monate: 0,7 ± 0,8 Verletzungen; p = 0,002).…”

“…Teilnehmer mit mehr als 6 Monaten Trainingserfahrung verletzten sich signifikant häufiger (≤6 Monate: 0,4 ± 0,6 Verletzungen; >6 Monate: 0,7 ± 0,8 Verletzungen; p = 0,002). [12], [16] (▶Abb. 4).…”