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Patterns, Predictors, and Mechanisms of Injury in Libyan CrossFit Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Sami Elmahgoub1, Wesam A Debes1, Adel El Taguri2
1Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan.
Background:
CrossFit is a high-intensity training modality experiencing global growth, but its injury risk profile remains debated. Existing epidemiological studies show a significant geographical bias, with a complete lack of data from North Africa, including Libya. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first epidemiological data on CrossFit injuries in Libya, addressing this geographical gap. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries among CrossFit athletes in Tripoli, Libya.
Study Design:
This descriptive, cross-sectional study utilized a convenience sample of CrossFit athletes. Data were collected via a self-administered, paper-based questionnaire adapted from validated epidemiological surveys.
Methods:
A total of 137 male CrossFit athletes from four affiliated gyms in Tripoli were enrolled. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire collecting sociodemographic data, training characteristics, and injury history based on a time-loss definition (missing ≥1 training day or seeking medical attention) over a 12-month recall period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify injury predictors.
Results:
The injury prevalence was 40.6%. The shoulder (33.3%) and lumbar spine (25.3%) were the most frequently injured anatomical locations. The primary mechanism of injury was sudden movement (38.6%), and the most common type of injury was tendinopathy (34.5%). The cohort was characterized by relatively young athletes with high training frequency, nearly half of whom had less than six months of training experience. Longer training duration was the only significant independent predictor of injury (OR = 0.136, 95% CI [0.034-0.543] for beginners vs. experienced athletes; p = 0.009), indicating that experienced athletes were at higher risk.
Conclusions:
Libyan CrossFit athletes experience high injury rates, with longer training duration-not novice status-predicting injury. These findings underscore the urgent need for standardized coaching and gym affiliation in developing fitness markets to mitigate technique-related injuries and ensure safe sport participation.
