Epidemiological Profile among Greek CrossFit Practitioners

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Injury Epidemiology

Background:

• CrossFit (CF) is a globally popular training regimen with expanding participation in Greece.
• Limited scientific data exists on musculoskeletal injury risks associated with CrossFit in the Greek population.
• Understanding injury patterns is crucial for enhancing practitioner safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and types of musculoskeletal injuries among Greek CrossFit practitioners.
• To identify training-related factors associated with an increased risk of injury in this population.

Main Methods:

• A self-administered survey was distributed to 1224 Greek CrossFit practitioners (aged 18-59).
• Data collected included training habits, competition participation, and injury history.
• Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was performed using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• The most common injuries reported were muscle injuries (51.3%), tendinopathies (49.6%), and joint injuries (26.6%).
• Shoulders (56.6%), knees (31.8%), and the lumbar spine (33.1%) were the most frequently injured sites.
• Participation in competitions, increased training frequency, longer session duration, and less rest per week were significant risk factors for injury.

Conclusions:

• CrossFit participation in Greece is associated with a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries, especially affecting the shoulders and knees.
• Factors such as competition involvement, training volume, and insufficient rest are critical determinants of injury.
• Clinicians and trainers should consider these factors to implement targeted injury prevention strategies for CrossFit athletes.