Perceived demands and postexercise physical dysfunction in CrossFit® compared to an ACSM based training session.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• CrossFit® is an extreme conditioning program (ECP) associated with overtraining and injury risks.
• Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER) has been reported after CrossFit®, potentially linked to high perceived exertion.
• High rates of perceived exertion may contribute to post-exercise physical dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare post-exercise physical dysfunction symptoms after CrossFit® versus American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guideline training.
• To record ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during CrossFit® compared to ACSM training.
• To investigate the relationship between high exertion and physical dysfunction in CrossFit® participants.

Main Methods:

• A validated questionnaire was administered to 101 CrossFit® participants and 56 ACSM guideline participants.
• Data collected included demographic information, RPE levels, and post-exercise symptom severity.
• Comparison of reported symptoms and exertion levels between the two training groups.

Main Results:

• CrossFit® participants reported significantly higher RPE (7.3±1.7) than ACSM participants (5.5±1.4).
• Severe post-exercise symptoms were more prevalent in the CrossFit® group, including excessive fatigue, muscle soreness, swelling, shortness of breath, pain to touch, and limited movement.
• Frequent intense workouts (WODs) in CrossFit® included Fran, Murph, Fight Gone Bad, Helen, and Filthy 50.

Conclusions:

• CrossFit® training leads to 'very hard' perceived exertion and detrimental post-exercise effects on muscle and respiratory function.
• Experienced CrossFit® athletes experience significant muscle and ventilatory dysfunction post-exercise.
• Enhanced training progression and adequate recovery schedules are crucial to mitigate severe muscle injury risks like ER.