Acute tendon changes in intense CrossFit workout: an observational cohort study

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• CrossFit's growing popularity necessitates research into its associated health benefits and injury risks.
• While chronic tendon overload is linked to tendinopathy, the effects of acute, high-intensity exercise on tendons remain understudied.
• Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for assessing tendon structure and changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of strenuous, high-intensity exercise on tendon thickness.
• To determine if ultrasonography can detect exercise-induced changes in tendon dimensions.
• To evaluate changes in the patellar, Achilles, and plantaris tendons following a CrossFit workout.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound measurements of patellar, Achilles, and plantaris tendons were taken before and after a standardized, intense workout.
• Thirty-four healthy subjects participated in the study.
• Statistical analysis was used to compare tendon thickness pre- and post-exercise.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in patellar tendon thickness was observed post-exercise (mean difference: 0.47 mm, P < 0.0001).
• Achilles tendon thickness also significantly increased after the workout (mean difference: 0.17 mm, P < 0.01).
• No significant changes in plantaris tendon thickness were detected (P = 0.97).

Conclusions:

• Strenuous, high-intensity CrossFit exercise can lead to acute increases in patellar and Achilles tendon thickness.
• Ultrasonography is capable of detecting these acute tendon changes.
• Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings.