A 4-Year Analysis of the Incidence of Injuries Among CrossFit-Trained Participants - Feito et al. (2018)

Aim:

(1) examine the incidence of

injuries related to CrossFit training among a large sample

of participants and,

(2) estimate the rate of injuries among a large cross-sectional convenience sample of CrossFit participants from around the world.

Results:

Overall, based on the assumed maximum number of workout hours per week, the injury rate was 0.27 per 1000 hours. However, those who were less “engaged” ie.

1) are within their first year of participation.

(2) engage in this training modality less than 3 days per week.

(3) participate in less than 3 workouts per week.) have a higher risk injury of 0.71).

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that Crossfit Training is relatively safe compared with more traditional training modalities. Hootman et al. (2002) reported injury rates of 2.0-3.5 injuries per 1000 hours in those participating in other physical activities compared to this study of 0.27 injuries per 1000 hours.

Clinical Implication:

The amount of bad impression people have on crossfit with regards to injuries is quite high. However, this is one of many studies that prove otherwise. In any physical activity there is an increased risk of injury. Participating in Crossfit actually has a lower injury rate compared to traditional training modalities!

I don’t think the secondary results are surprising with regards to the factors leading to the increased risk.

1) First year of participation.
2) Those who train less than 3 days per week.
3) Those who participate less than 3 workouts a week.

Starting out any physical activity for the first time may increase the risk of injury but if you train well and slowly progress with the new skills, you will minimize the risk of injuries. If anything, I would say you’d be worst off NOT participating in any physical activity!

About the authors:

Adrian and Colin are Physiotherapist from Sydney (Australia) and Vancouver (Canada) respectively. Educating and sharing research was a passion of their even since studying Physiotherapy at University together. They continued to develop and challenge their thoughts and judgments whilst working in Private practice sector in Sydney. 

Following Colin’s return his homeland of Canada. Adrian and Colin decided to kick-start an initiative to help new graduate Physiotherapists.
The Freshman Physio page HERE aims to Empower new graduate clinicians with an evolving way of reasoning and bridge the gap from University to practice. With the primary goal of “Creating Better Clinicians."

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