Analysis of Morphofunctional Variables Associated with Performance in Crossfit^® Competitors

Abstract

CrossFit® is a competitive sport and fitness modality characterized by multiple physical capabilities and multi-joint movements. This study aimed to analyse and classify variables related to CrossFit® competitors’ specific performance. Fifteen male CrossFit® competitors were selected (n = 15; 30.57 ± 5.5 years; 1.76 ± 0.06 m; 78.55 ± 9.12 kg). Mean values were obtained for body mass index (25.3 ± 2.14 kg/m2), 4 skinfolds, 1 repetition maximum in the squat (137.60 ± 19.65 kg) and the bench press (101.67 ± 10.64 kg), maximum pull-ups (18.87 ± 5.05), sit-ups in 60 s (46.60 ± 4.22), peak power in the countermovement jump (3908.04 ± 423.68 W), VO2max with a shuttle run test (47.70 ± 4.79 ml kg-1·min-1), and time in the Workout of the Day (WOD) “Fran” (337.13 ± 119.19 s) and “Donkey Kong” (417.47 ± 98.44 s) components. Principal component analysis was conducted to classify variables and to select those most related to each new component (“strength and muscle mass”, “adiposity” and “aerobic capacity”). The correlation matrix was analysed, indicating significant correlations between “Donkey Kong” and VO2max (r = -.675; p “ .01), suprailiac skinfold (r = .713; p “ .01) and sit-ups (r = -.563; p “ .05); and between “Fran” and squat (r = -.528; p “ .05). Three important components characterizing CrossFit® competitors were identified: “strength and muscle mass”, low “adiposity” and “aerobic capacity”. Significant relationships between morphofunctional variables and Crossfit® performance were found in Crossfit® competitors.

Physical and Physiological Predictors of FRAN CrossFit® WOD Athlete’s Performance

“…CrossFit is one of the most popular training programs but there is a tremendous lack of research that needs to be fulfilled [ 6 , 8 , 9 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Hence, explanations for physiological and morphological predictors require investigation to clarify the physiological indicators of CrossFit sports performance.…”

“…In our data, we found 49% and 64% relative 1RM for thrusters and pull-up, respectively, which resulted in a stronger correlation of strength endurance for thrusters and moderate to stronger correlations for maximal strength of thrusters and strength endurance for pull-ups. Rodriguez et al [ 6 ] reported a correlation between the squat absolute strength and FRAN ( r = 0.528; p < 0.05) due to its similarity to the thruster movement. Our results showed that coaches should prioritize these variables to improve the performance of their athletes during training periodization.…”

“…The huge number of participants and increasing competition and professional athletes of CrossFit allowed us to characterize it as a training program and sport of fitness. In this case, the role of science is to clarify doubts about the key performance indicators [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Bellar et al [ 9 ] showed that a higher aerobic capacity and peak power and younger ages were associated with a higher numbers of repetitions. Recently, Crawford et al [ 10 ] showed that there were significant associations between predictor variables (VO 2max , 1RM, and power) and work capacity, and Landero-Gómez and Menacho-Juan [ 6 ] showed that strength, muscle mass, low adiposity, and aerobic capacity were important components that characterized CrossFit competitors. FRAN workout of the day (WOD) is one of the most famous type of training that every CrossFit athlete does to control their performance improvements [ 6 , 11 ].…”

“…Recently, Crawford et al [ 10 ] showed that there were significant associations between predictor variables (VO 2max , 1RM, and power) and work capacity, and Landero-Gómez and Menacho-Juan [ 6 ] showed that strength, muscle mass, low adiposity, and aerobic capacity were important components that characterized CrossFit competitors. FRAN workout of the day (WOD) is one of the most famous type of training that every CrossFit athlete does to control their performance improvements [ 6 , 11 ]. According to Zeitz et al [ 11 ], 33% of the variance of performance in a modified FRAN can be explained by the total strength of CrossFit Total.…”