CrossFit is becoming increasingly popular as a method to increase fitness and as a competitive sport in both the Unites States and Europe. However, little research on this mode of exercise has been performed to date. The purpose of the present investigation involving experienced CrossFit athletes and naïve healthy young men was to investigate the relationship of aerobic capacity and anaerobic power to performance in two representative CrossFit workouts: the first workout was 12 minutes in duration, and the second was based on the total time to complete the prescribed exercise. The participants were 32 healthy adult males, who were either naïve to CrossFit exercise or had competed in CrossFit competitions. Linear regression was undertaken to predict performance on the first workout (time) with age, group (naïve or CrossFit athlete), VO2max and anaerobic power, which were all significant predictors (p < 0.05) in the model. The second workout (repetitions), when examined similarly using regression, only resulted in CrossFit experience as a significant predictor (p < 0.05). The results of the study suggest that a history of participation in CrossFit competition is a key component of performance in CrossFit workouts which are representative of those performed in CrossFit, and that, in at least one these workouts, aerobic capacity and anaerobic power are associated with success.

Email-based interventions based on SCT can significantly influence levels of self-reported physical activity of breast cancer survivors.

Running on a non-motorized, curved-deck treadmill is thought to improve gait mechanics. It is not known, though, whether the change in gait carries over to running on a motorized treadmill on level ground. To determine the effect of running on a curved non-motorized treadmill (CNT) on gait characteristics, measured during a subsequent bout of running on a traditional motorized treadmill (TMT), sixteen healthy college-aged participants, aged (mean ± SD) 20.4 ± 1.6 years, volunteered to have their gait analyzed while running on a TMT and CNT. After familiarization with, and a warm-up on, both treadmills, each subject completed five 4-min bouts of running, alternating between traditional motorized and curved non-motorized treadmills: TMT-1, CNT-1, TMT-2, CNT-2, and TMT-3. Variables of interest included step length (m), stride length (m), imbalance score (%), and stride angle (°), and were measured using Optogait gait analysis equipment. We found differences in gait characteristics among TMT-1, TMT-2, and TMT-3, which can be attributed to running on the CNT. The results show that running on a CNT resulted in significant changes in gait characteristics (step length, stride length, imbalance score and stride angle). These findings suggest that running on a CNT can significantly influence running gait.

The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the relationship between an endurance paddle-sport athlete’s total functional movement screening (FMS) score and individual race performance. Fifty elite level endurance canoeists and kayakers completed the seven-stage FMS protocol prior to the 2016 United States Canoe and Kayak Association National Championship race. Time taken to finish the race was then associated to overall FMS score and respective sub-scores. Total FMS score and various sub-scores were significantly related to race performance. Female and male athletes differed in which sub-scores were shown to be significantly correlated to finishing time. Outcomes from this study indicate that limitations in functional movement are related to endurance paddle-sport race performance.

Ergometers have been developed as off-season or dryland training tools for sports such as rowing and crosscountry skiing. These ergometers have recently been staples in the training methods for functional fitness athletes. Purpose: To examine the relationship between athlete strength and power with rowing ergometer and ski ergometer performance. Methods: Eight healthy college-aged participants, age 18-26 years volunteered to go through a series of strength and ergometric exercises while being assessed with a metabolic cart to measure gas exchange. The three strength measures were a maximal effort on bench press, back squat, and deadlift. A watt bike was also used to assess lower body power output. All strength tests were performed following the National Strength and Conditioning Association protocols. The ergometric performances on ski ergometer and rower were performed both using the Concept2 model with the damper settings at 10. Results: A significant relationship exists between strength and ergometer performance at both sprint and mid-distances. Conclusions: Athlete strength is a significant contributor to ski ergometer and rowing ergometer performance at 100-meter and 2000-meter performances. When considering training protocols for rowing and crosscountry skiing, athletes and coaches should invest in addressing strength as a meaningful portion of the training effort. Contribution/Originality: The paper's primary contribution is finding the relationship athlete strength and power have with ergometer performance.