Pacing Strategies Differ by Sex and Rank in 2020 CrossFit® Open Tests

Abstract

This retrospective study collected video recordings of a random selection of eighty men and women (n = 160) completing all five tests of the 2020 CrossFit® Open. All competitors were ranked within the top 10,000 overall but were sub-divided based on whether they ranked within the top 10% of their respective divisions. To examine the effect of sex and rank on pacing strategy, video analysis quantified the overall repetition completion rate on each test, as well as per minute (or round) repetition completion rates for each test’s individual exercises, quantity of failed repetitions, break times, and transition times. All per minute (or round) data were aggregated into first- and last-half or total test average, slopes, and coefficient of variation. Sex and rank analyses of variance were performed on averages, slopes, and coefficients of variation for each variable calculated over the first and last halves of each test, except test 5 (total only). The top 10% of men were 17.5% faster (p < 0.001) than everyone else in tests 1, 3, and 5. The top 10% of women and remaining men were ~9.5% faster than remaining women in tests 1 and 3. In test 5, the remaining men were faster than top 10% of women (~11.2%, p < 0.001), and both were faster than the remaining women. In tests 2 and 4, the top 10% of athletes were 9.7% faster (p < 0.001) than remaining athletes, and at the same time, men were 7.7% faster (p < 0.001) than women. Analysis of each test’s components revealed the top 10% of competitors to be faster and more consistent in most areas, while men were generally faster than women in gymnastics components and more consistent with their pace for resistance training exercises. These data provide insight into the differential factors linked to success in the men’s and women’s CFO divisions.

The influence of sex-division, experience, and pacing strategy on performance in the 2020 CrossFit® Open

“…These suggests faster repetition completion rates were seen in men and competitors who ranked well in past competitions. Readers interested in reviewing specific comparisons between men and women can find those here (17). Meanwhile, the significant (p < 0.05) positive relationships noted for repetition completion rate with body mass and height imply that taller and heavier competitors performed repetitions at a faster rate on each test.…”

“…Each athlete's sex-division (men's or women's), height (cm), body mass (kg), and past competition performances (i.e., consecutive CFO appearances, skipped CFO competitions since first appearance, 2019 rank, and highest ever CFO rank before 2020) were recorded from the user profile linked to their rank placement on the leaderboard. Their videorecorded efforts were also accessed from the leaderboard via a camera icon placed next to their verified (by competition officials) score on each test (2,3), and then analyzed using previously described methods (17). For the practical purposes of this paper, strategic pacing variables were selected based on their utility to coaches and athletes.…”

“…The inclusion criteria for this study have been previously reported (17). All athletes ranked within the top 10,000 of their respective sex-division in the 2020 CFO and submitted video recordings of their best effort on all five 2020 CFO tests.…”

“…Video recordings for each workout were analyzed using previously described standardized methods to identify the start and end time for each test exercise, break, transition, and failed repetition (17). These data were entered into a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel v. 365; Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, VA, USA) and used to calculate the pacing variables that would serve as this study's predicting (independent) variables.…”

“…The more experienced competitor might better reconcile their own physiological capabilities with a correct perception of a test's demands to devise a more appropriate pacing strategy that best manages the accumulation of fatigue. In a recent study, pacing strategies were compared between men and women who ranked within the top 10% of the 2020 CFO and those within the top 10,000 (but not the top 10%) (17). In general, the top 10% (men and women) outpaced remaining competitors in approximately 60% of all exercises, more consistently transitioned between exercises, and were more consistent in their breaking strategy on half of tests.…”