Pilot study: Performance-ranking relationship analysis in Czech crossfiters

Abstract

CrossFit is one of the fastest growing sports. Its growing popularity also applies to its competition form. This pilot study aims to analyse strength, endurance performance and their relationship to the resulting ranking in the CrossFit Open. Furthermore, the forms of training of elite Czech crossfitters are described in more detail. The research sample consisted of the 20 best Czechs (average height, age, and bodyweight of 180cm, 28.5 years and 90.7 kg respectively) according to the CrossFit Open ranking. The questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the training regime and their current performance parameters. Descriptive statistics include the correlation between individual performances and overall ranking. Crossfitters had very good strength parameters in exercises with external load and also with their bodyweight (average values: clean and jerk 141.5 kg, snatch 113.9 kg, back squat 184.1 kg, strict press 87.2 kg, deadlift 217.9 kg, strict handstand push-ups 21.5 reps., pull-ups 20.6 reps.). The Olympic weightlifting performance (snatch and clean and jerk) was the strongest predictor for placing (-.606 resp.-.625, α=.01). The weekly training time was 800-900 minutes and contained mostly combined training units with a total of 9.2. Given the interesting results achieved in this pilot study, more detailed and validated studies are needed.

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.…”

“…The high amount (i.e., clean and jerk, snatch, "Filthy-50", and 400-m sprint). One year later, Schlegel et al (2020) interviewed the Top 20 Czech athletes from 2019 and found relationships between ranking and nearly every measure, except for the athletes' reported scores in the back squat, deadlift, and pull-ups. The primary limitation with each of these studies was that, aside from competitive ranking, these data were self-reported.…”

“…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.…”

“…Instead, it may behoove these athletes to sequence training to build towards the most important training factors or group training targets based on their compatibility. Currently, however, limited data exist to assist athletes in identifying the most important parameters to focus on during training [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”