Incidence, severity and perceived susceptibility of COVID-19 in the UK CrossFit population

Abstract

Background Contemporary literature indicates that a higher body mass index (BMI) serves as a risk factor for metabolic disease and is also correlated with greater disease severity. Subsequently, it has been linked to increased COVID-19 severity. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether regular CrossFit™ participation was associated with lower BMI, decreased COVID-19 severity and susceptibility. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1806 CrossFit™ (CF) participants. Participants were asked about their age (yrs), sex (male vs. female), ethnic group, body height (cm) and weight (kg). Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was computed and consistent with WHO (2018) criteria. Participants self-reported their training history, health and lifestyle history, nutritional customs, present training status and suspected levels of exposure to COVID-19. Once submitted the collected data were coded, cleaned and analysed. Results The final model comprised of 1806 CF individuals from an online survey response rate of 2086. The participants age ranged from 18 to 65+ yrs. Self-reported mean body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) reported that < 1% were underweight, 41% were healthy, 46% overweight, 10% class I obese, 2% class II obese, and < 1% class III obese. A Kruskal–Wallis H test compared gender and self-reported probability of being infected with COVID-19 with significant differences between subgroups (x2 (4, N = 1739) = 10.86, p = 0.03). Analysis of BMI and perceived severity of COVID-19 revealed a difference however not, significant (x2 (4, N = 1739) = 9.46, p = 0.051). Results on BMI and perceived probability of COVID-19 infection revealed no significant difference (x2 (4, N = 1739) = 2.68, p = 0.61). A separate analysis on BMI and perceived COVID-19 susceptibility revealed no significant difference (x2 (4, N = 1740) = 6.02, p = 0.20). Conclusions The purpose of the study was to establish whether habitual CrossFit™ participation is associated with reduced BMI, and to further investigate whether habitual participation impacted perceptions of disease. Results of the study indicate that self-reported CrossFit™ participation during the first UK lockdown, measured in minutes of exercise was indicative of a lower BMI. This has been associated with greater host immunity to disease. A history of CrossFit™ participation was not shown to impact perceptions of disease. However, our sample population reported few changes to habitual exercise during lockdown which may be due to the ‘community’ and increased adherence associated with CrossFit™.

Purchasing behavior and use of digital sports offers by CrossFit® and weightlifting athletes during the first SARS-CoV-2 lockdown in Germany

“…A related conclusion was reached in the study by Redwood-Brown et al so far. They reported that athletes who were already practicing CrossFit® before had not altered their training behavior during the lockdown, a fact they attributed to the increased adherence associated with CrossFit® [ 30 ]. This is consistent with further findings suggesting that one of the most important interventions for a CrossFit® training facility should be, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to establish a Facebook and Instagram community for its members.…”

The incidence of COVID-19: a geographical analysis of 7676 Brazilian CrossFit participants

“…Of 7676 subjects, 26.1% of them contracted COVID-19. Previously, Redwood-Brown et al [5] reported in a CrossFit population of 1806 subjects from the United Kingdom (UK) that only 15 (0.83%) subjects had tested positive for COVID-19. It is worthy of understanding that Europe and Asia countries had more restrictions on social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic than Brazil, which is the key point for diminishing the COVID-19 transmission [11].…”

“…We followed the study of Redwood-Brown et al [5] and the WHO [9] to develop the present survey. An online platform survey was created via Google Forms, and its link was shared with social media.…”

“…These bene ts have a had direct impact on the morbidity and mortality of many diseases. In addition, it is well known that this training program keeps participants engaged and motivated, and these bene ts are a key point in the choice of training program [5].…”

Impact on habitual crossfit participant's exercise behavior, health, and well‐being: A cross‐sectional survey of UK COVID‐19 lockdowns

“… 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 This reduction in physical activity due to gym closures not only facilitates sedentary behavior but also reduces social interaction which for a lot of individuals impacts mental health and well‐being, particularly as many participate to reduce their symptoms of anxiety and depression. 15 , 19 Some preliminary investigations have demonstrated that if exercise behaviors are maintained during lockdown periods, the impact on mental health is limited, 18 while others have noted a decline in mental health, suggesting that further investigation is needed. 20 However, it is evident that habitually trained individuals from community focused exercise programs are more likely to maintain exercise habits during nationally imposed lockdowns and report fewer changes to mental health as a result.…”