A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Injury in Crossfit.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Orthopaedic Surgery

Background:

• Crossfit is a popular high-intensity exercise regimen.
• It offers benefits like weight reduction and improved physiological function.
• Understanding injury patterns is crucial for participant safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and common patterns of injury in Crossfit participants.
• To compare Crossfit injury rates with those of other recreational sports.
• To identify factors contributing to specific injury types and overall injury risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature.
• Database search using keywords 'Crossfit' AND 'Injury'.
• Inclusion criteria applied to select relevant studies reporting injury data.

Main Results:

• Shoulder, back, and knee injuries are the most frequently self-reported.
• The overall incidence of injury in Crossfit is comparable to other recreational sports.
• Certain Crossfit exercises and individual characteristics may increase injury risk.

Conclusions:

• Crossfit is an effective exercise modality for weight management and functional improvement.
• While beneficial, Crossfit participation involves injury risks that warrant attention.
• Further research into specific movements and participant factors can help mitigate injury incidence.