Physiological Predictors of Competition Performance in CrossFit Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological variables that predict competition performance during a CrossFit competition. Fifteen male amateur CrossFit athletes (age, 35 ± 9 years; CrossFit experience, 40 ± 27 months) performed a series of laboratory-based tests (incremental load test for deep full squat and bench press; squat, countermovement and drop jump tests; and incremental running and Wingate tests) that were studied as potential predictors of CrossFit performance. Thereafter, they performed the five Workouts of the Day (WODs) corresponding to the CrossFit Games Open 2019, and we assessed the relationship between the laboratory-based markers and CrossFit performance with regression analyses. Overall CrossFit performance (i.e., final ranking considering the sum of all WODs, as assessed by number of repetitions, time spent in exercises or weight lifted) was significantly related to jump ability, mean and peak power output during the Wingate test, relative maximum strength for the deep full squat and the bench press, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and speed during the incremental test (all p < 0.05, r = 0.58–0.75). However, the relationship between CrossFit Performance and most laboratory markers varied depending on the analyzed WOD. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that measures of lower-body muscle power (particularly jump ability) and VO2max explained together most of the variance (R2 = 81%, p < 0.001) in overall CrossFit performance. CrossFit performance is therefore associated with different power-, strength-, and aerobic-related markers.

The Relationship between CrossFit® Performance and Laboratory-Based Measurements of Fitness

“…To our knowledge, the present investigation was the first to examine the predictive strengths of laboratory-based fitness variables without influence of CF familiarity/history by recruiting only those naïve to CF. The findings of Martinez-Gomez et al [16] and Bellar et al [5] are especially relevant to the present results for 19.1. The 19.1 workout was of interest for the present study because it is a globally standardized WOD as found in the 2019 CF Open, and it incorporates basic exercises that participants could familiarize with in a relatively short period (wall balls and rowing).…”

“…The 19.1 workout was of interest for the present study because it is a globally standardized WOD as found in the 2019 CF Open, and it incorporates basic exercises that participants could familiarize with in a relatively short period (wall balls and rowing). Martinez-Gomez et al [16] examined physiological predictors of performance in 2019 CF Open WODs which included 19.1. Results indicated that VO 2 max was positively correlated (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) with 19.1 performance and indicative of overall CF Open performance.…”

Predictors of CrossFit Open Performance

“…Except for 18.2b, where vastus lateralis cross-sectional area was the best overall predictor, each workout was best predicted by either body fat percentage or body density. It is difficult to state whether this observation is in direct contrast with previous investigations into the predictors of CrossFit ® performance [6,8,9,[11][12][13][14], because those studies either did not consider body composition as a predictor [6,9,[11][12][13][14] or limited the analysis to body mass and stature [8]. Regardless, simple observation of elite CrossFit ® athletes (i.e., those who compete in the Games) suggests that being lean is a prerequisite for success in the sport.…”

“…The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of experience and physiological fitness on performance in the workouts of the 2018 CrossFit ® Open competition. Based on past evidence [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] and CrossFit ® training's general goal of eliciting general physical preparedness [1,2], we hypothesized that relationships would exist between CFO performance and each type of independent variable collected in this study. The data supported this hypothesis as several measures from each category were found to be related to performance on each workout.…”

“…Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of experience, as well as self-reported and measured physiological fitness variables, on CFO performance. Based on previous evidence [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] and the general aim of CrossFit ® training to promote general physical preparedness [1,2], we hypothesized that relationships would exist between CFO performance, experience, and physiological fitness variables across each of the investigated parameters (i.e., body composition, resting hormone concentrations, resting energy expenditure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength). However, we also hypothesized that the influence of each physiological fitness variable on performance would vary between workouts and be modified by experience.…”