From Sweat to Strain: An Epidemiological Analysis of Training-Related Injuries in CrossFit

• Published in: Open access journal of sports medicine Vol. 15; pp. 91 - 100
• Main Authors: Lenz, Julia Elisabeth, Szymski, Dominik, Krueckel, Jonas, Weber, Johannes, Krieger, Felix, Karius, Thomas, Meffert, Rainer, Alt, Volker, Fehske, Kai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove 01.01.2024; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: barbell; bodyweight; fitness; gymnastics; Original Research; sport injury; weightlifting; weightlifting; bodyweight; gymnastics; sport injury; barbell; fitness
• ISSN: 1179-1543; 1179-1543
• DOI: 10.2147/OAJSM.S469411

This study aims to conduct an epidemiological investigation into the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit training in Germany. Voluntary athletes from various German CrossFit gyms participated, providing personal information, training habits, and details on injuries through a standardized questionnaire. The study involved 308 participants, with an equal sex split, a peak age of 20-40, and a BMI of 24.3 ± 3.3 kg/m . Most participants trained for over two years (49.4%), primarily in supervised groups. Motivations for engaging in CrossFit included health prevention (33.1%), athletic training (32.8%), and work-life balance support (17%). Injuries were reported by 28.6% of participants, with 61.4% experiencing single injuries. The majority of injuries (55.3%) occurred during the middle of workouts. Injury types included wounds (23.3%), contusions, sprains, or strains (cumulative 30.8%), and fractures (2.9%). Almost all injured individuals (96.5%) had a time-loss injury, with a return to sport ranging from a day to over three months. Treatments varied, with 50.6% not requiring medical intervention, 34.1% undergoing physiotherapy, 21.2% receiving medication and 8.2% needing surgery. Barbell exercises, notably Snatch and Clean, were main exercises with association to injuries, accounting for 36.3%. The Box Jump stood out as the exercise with the highest isolated injury prevalence (14.3%). Notable injury causes included falls during Pull-Ups and lumbar disc herniation linked to Deadlifts. Following injuries, 45.8% of participants made training adjustments. This study provides an epidemiological investigation into the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit training in Germany. The shoulder and knee joint exhibited the highest injury prevalence. Barbell exercises, box jumps, and bar pull-ups were identified as major exercises with association to injuries. Prevention through technical training and the incorporation of soft boxes could reduce the risk of injuries in CrossFit .