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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orthtr.2020.07.001
S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks 1
REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
Sports Orthop. Traumatol. xx, xx–xx (2020)
Figure 2
Number of injuries (n = 303) by body part (Mehrab, De Vos, Kraan, & Mathijssen,
2017, p.4).
2 S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks
REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
Sports Orthop. Traumatol. xx, xx–xx (2020)
the health of the participants. In a things, it has been shown that (46.4%), followed by lower back
study by Waryasz, Daniels, Gil, Suric, CrossFit training has a positive influ- (38.3%) and hip injuries (9.1%).
and Eberson (2016) a survey ques- ence on motivational factors and the The authors concluded, that
tionnaire with 208 participants con- sense of community ([10,16,22, CrossFit athletes are more likely to
firmed, that 77.9% of the CrossFit 33,41]). be injured and to seek medical treat-
coaches were male with an average ment compared with athletes in
age of 34.5 9.1 years. From all traditional weightlifting [5].
participating CrossFit coaches CrossFit - Incidence and Larsen et al. (2020) conducted a
80.4% had an exercise-related bach- location of CrossFit related prospective cohort study with nov-
elor‘s degree, 72.4% an exercise- injuries ice members of a CrossFit Center who
related master‘s degree and over began an eight-week, free-of-charge
89% a strength and conditioning Because of the increasing popularity membership period. Among the 168
certification [38]. of CrossFit, questions about the included participants, a total of 28
Within another study by Waryasz, health benefits and risks arise from injuries (14.9%) were reported. The
Suric, Daniels, Gil, and Eberson a medical point of view, especially injury rate per 1000 h of exposure
(2016) asking CrossFit coaches from an orthopedic perspective was 9.5 and therefore significantly
(n = 193) 86.6% were certified as ([7,14,18]). higher than in previous studies.
instructors and 26.7% had a bach- Due to the high intensity of the Therefore, the risk of injuries may
elor’s degree in a training-related CrossFit training exercises, sports be higher among novice participants
field. Instructors with a CrossFit cer- physicians expect an increased inci- than among experienced CrossFit
tification have significant fewer dence of injuries, especially among athletes. This is consistent with fur-
bachelor’s (p = 0.04) or master’s beginners. ther study showing a higher injury
(p< 0.001) degrees than those Previously published studies have incidence in beginners during the
without a CrossFit certification [39]. reported injury rates ranging from first six months of CrossFit training
0.74 to 3.3 per 1000 h CrossFit train- ([25,27]). Therefore, a care of
ing ([9,15,21]). On the basis of CrossFit beginners is particularly
CrossFit - Health benefits these studies, the injury incidence important, as well as an orthopedic
in CrossFit is comparable or slightly initial examination before starting
Overall, the effectiveness of CrossFit higher to related sports, including CrossFit training.
in improving physical fitness as well gymnastics, weightlifting and A high injury rate in CrossFit particu-
as health related effects is not well powerlifting with a 2b evidence level larly affects the shoulder, spine, hip
explored [13]. A systematic review [5,15,20]), but lower than in game and knee [40]. In a four-year
revealed 13 studies that examined sports and other traditional sport analysis of a descriptive epidemiol-
the safety and health benefits of disciplines [35]. However, injuries ogy study, 30.5% of the CrossFit
CrossFit [26]. to the shoulder appear to be more athletes experienced an injury over
Some of those recent studies common in CrossFit [20]. the previous 12 months [9]. Injuries
showed, that CrossFit training can Other researchers found a higher to the shoulders were the most com-
be effective for the improvement of incidence of CrossFit related injuries mon (39%), followed by back (36%),
several physical fitness parameters compared to traditional weightlift- knees (15%), elbows (12%), and
as enhanced endurance, increased ing. Elkin, Kammerman, Kunselman, wrists (11%) for both male and
maximal aerobic capacity VO2max, and Gallo (2019) showed that those female athletes [9]. Elkin et al.
aerobic and anaerobic capacity and who were following a CrossFit rou- (2019) also found that in CrossFit
a positive influence on participants’ tine were 1.3 times more likely to be the most injuries concerned the
body composition, strength, flexi- injured and 1.86 times more likely to shoulder (46.4%), followed by the
bility, power and balance, BMI, fat seek medical attention than those lower back (38.4%) and hip (9.1%).
mass and waist circumference, not who were following a traditional Summitt, Cotton, Kays, and Slaven
only in adults, also in adolescents weightlifting program. In a multi- (2016) demonstrated an overall
([3,4,14]). variate logistic regression analysis shoulder injury rate of 1.94 per
Besides positive physical effects of adjusted for sex and age, an injury 1000 h training. First-time shoulder
CrossFit training, also effects on was 2.26 times more likely in the injuries occurred at a rate of 1.18 per
mood state and social aspects were CrossFit group. In both groups, 1000 h training, and therefore less
examined and found. Among other shoulder injuries were most common frequent than recurrent injuries. The
S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks 3
REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
Sports Orthop. Traumatol. xx, xx–xx (2020)
Table 1. Categorization of superordinated CrossFit elements/disciplines with representative exercises. The listed exercises can be
combined in many ways. Not shown is the category ’Mobilization’.
most frequent causes for shoulder reports on less frequent injuries and Muzaurieta (2017) [8]. The impact
injuries were improper technique diseases, although these are signifi- of CrossFit-related injuries was
and exacerbation of a previous cant in individual cases (Table 3). examined by Hopkins et al. (2017).
injury [35] (Table 2). Between June 2010 and June 2016,
they evaluated all cases of spine inju-
CrossFit – injuries of the spine ries complaining of an injury caused
CrossFit – Rare injuries and with neurological symptoms by performing CrossFit. However, it
diseases must be noted that in this study
Injuries of the spine and a ‘Numb-Leg´ the data were collected in only one
In addition to typical and frequent in a CrossFit athlete were reported hospital with neurological specializ-
injuries, the scientific literature also from Esser, Thurston, Nalluri, and ation (Northwestern University,
4 S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks
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Sports Orthop. Traumatol. xx, xx–xx (2020)
Table 2. Injury rate comparison to other sports (Summitt, Cotton, Kays, & Slaven, CrossFit – Rhabdomyolysis
2016, p. 542).
Hopkins, Li, Svet, Kesavabhotla, and
Sport/Activity Study Injury rate Dahdaleh (2019) examined 523
(per 1000 hours) patients incurred injuries associated
Elite weightlifting Raske and Norlin, 2002 0.42-0.53 with CrossFit activities [19]. They
(shoulders only) reported, that 11 patients received
Swimming Parkkari et al., 2004 1 a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. The
Walking Parkkari et al., 2004 1.2 average age was 34.9 9.4years,
Cycling Parkkari et al., 2004 2 with 81.9% of the patients being
CrossFit Giodano and Weisenthal, 2014 2.4
male and 54.5% of the patients
Hak et al., 2013 3.1
Triathlon (preseason) Burns et al., 2003 2.5 being beginners. Routman, Triplet,
Running (long distance) van Gent et al., 2007 2.5 Kurowicki, and Singh (2018)
Elite weightlifting Raske and Norlin, 2002 2.6-3.3 reported in two cases about isolated
Calhoon and Fry, 1999 rhabdomyolysis of the infraspinatus
Gym training Parkkari et al., 2004 3.1 muscle. As reported, all cases of
Gymnastics Parkkari et al., 2004 3.1 rhabdomyolysis are attributed to
Running (overall) Parkkari et al., 2004 3.6
inappropriate training planning
Triathlon (competitive season) Burns et al., 2003 4.6
Tennis Parkkari et al., 2004 4.7 and too high intensity [31].
Women’s soccer (practice) Hootman et al., 2007 5.2
Soccer Parkkari et al., 2004 7.8
Basketball Parkkari et al., 2004 9.1 CrossFit – Dissection of the
Men’s spring football (practice) Hootman et al., 2007 9.6 cervical carotid artery
Three cases of dissection of the cer-
vical internal carotid artery were
Chicago, Illinois) and therefore are competitive weightlifters as reported that are associated with
not representative for the epidemi- described in previous and actual CrossFit workouts [23]. Patient 1
ology of all CrossFit injuries. Data studies ([2,30,36,37]). suffered a distal cervical internal
were collected including age, sex, carotid artery (ICA) dissection near
body mass index (BMI), CrossFit
experience level, symptom Table 3. Primary causes of injury (Summitt, Cotton, Kays, & Slaven, 2016, p. 545).
duration, type of symptoms, type
Movement Injury, na
of clinic presentation (emergency
department, outpatient), cause of Push-up 3
injury, objective neurological Handstand push-up 1
examination findings, imaging Handstand walk 2
type, number of clinic visits, and Kipping pull-up 5
Butterfly pull-up 2
treatments prescribed [18] Toes-to-bar 2
(Table 4). Knees-to-elbow 1
The most common injury types were Ring muscle-up 4
spinal injuries, accounting for Bar muscle-up 2
20.9% of all reported injuries. Of Ring dips 2
these spinal injuries, the lumbar Total, gymnastics 25
region was the most commonly Bench press 3
Snatch (any variation: power, squat, 10
injured reporting 83.1% of all spine dumbbell, push-jerk, split-jerk, etc)
injuries. Although the most com- Overhead press (any variation: strict press, 13
monly prescribed treatment push-press, push-jerk, split-jerk, etc)
modality was physical therapy Total, weightlifting 26
(40.4%), surgery was required in Unknown origin 14
six patients (6.7%), and is compar- a
Participants could choose more than one option for each injury.
able to other high-intensity
S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks 5
REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
Sports Orthop. Traumatol. xx, xx–xx (2020)
Table 4. Distribution of CrossFit-related Injuries (Hopkins et al., 2017, p. 2). prevalence of UI was 26.1%, which
is only slightly above the prevalence
Count (%) in the general female population
[17].
Overall injury type (n = 523)
Musculoskeletal 426 (81.5)
Elks, Jaramillo-Huff, Barnes,
Cardiopulmonary complaints 36 (6.9) Petersen, and Komesu (2020) found
Other neurologic complaints* 32 (6.1) a much higher incidence of UI
Other injuries/conditionsa 29 (5.5) among 322 women surveyed. They
compared the incidence of UI
Musculoskeletal injury type (n = 426) between participants in CrossFit
Spine 89 (20.9) classes with female participants of
Shoulder 78 (18.3) other fitness classes. CrossFit ath-
Knee 66 (15.5) letes more frequently reported UI
Gluteal region 27 (6.3) (84% vs 48%, p< 0.001), and higher
Elbow 24 (5.6)
Leg 24 (5.6)
severity of UI (Urinary Distress
Wrist 18 (4.2) Inventory score: 20.8 vs 12.5,
Ankle 16 (3.8) p< 0.001).
Foot 15 (3.5) Weightlifting, jumping movements
Hand 12 (2.8) (single and double unders) and
Other musculoskeletalb 38 (8.9) box-jumps with high intra-abdomi-
* nal pressure were the most common
Headaches, migraines, weakness, paresthesia.
a exercises and reasons associated
Rhabdomyolysis, ocular dysfunction, abdominal pain, pulmonary symptoms, scrotal
inflammation, proteinuria, dehydration.
with UI in CrossFit athletes; also
b
Groin, fingers, arm, musculoskeletal chest pain. age and participation in CrossFit
are significant and independent pre-
dictors of UI as number of vaginal
deliveries ([6,12]).
the skull base and a small infarct in CrossFit – Females and
Wernicke’s area. Patient 2 suffered a incontinence
proximal cervical ICA dissection that Future directions and
led to arterial occlusion and recur- CrossFit training and competitions implications
rent middle cerebral artery territory are performed at high intensity,
infarcts and significant neurological with high biomechanical impacts According to previously mentioned
sequelae. Patient 3 had a skull base on the skeletal system and often studies, the sub-disciplines, gym-
ICA dissection that led to a partial with pressurized breathing. nastics, powerlifting and Olympic
Horner’s syndrome but no cerebral Therefore the exercises increase weightlifting, were detected as
infarct. It is discussed that CrossFit’s intra-abdominal pressure and cause primary cause for the most prevalent
emphasis on speed and high-inten- (involuntary) urinary incontinence injury locations in CrossFit, the
sity movements and lack of proper (UI), especially in women. shoulder joint, shoulder girdle,
guidance on technique may be one In a population-based internet spine, hip and knees ([27,35,40]).
of the main reasons for injuries. study of 551 female CrossFit athletes The shoulder and lower back were
Specific exercises, such as those that a prevalence of UI of 29.95% was the most commonly injured in gym-
require rapid twisting movements shown. Most women with UI nastic and powerlifting movements,
involving weights, may be particu- reported loss of urine during at least respectively; primarily acute and
larly dangerous, as they may lead to one exercise (16.70%). Double fairly mild injuries [40]. Due to
cervical vascular dissection [23]. under, single under and box jumps the frequency of injuries shoulder
reported in a case study a bilateral are the most frequently mentioned and spine must be given special
traumatic internal carotid artery dis- exercises that lead to UI [28]. attention. This concerns both sports
section after CrossFit training [11], High, Thai, Virani, Kuehl, and medical preliminary examination/
although committing that these Danford (2019) interviewed 314 preventive screening by sports phys-
cases are rare (2.5 to 3 per women through an anonymous ques- icians familiarized with CrossFit
100.000 athletes) [32]. tionnaire in CrossFit centers. The injury profiles and the adaptation
6 S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks
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S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks 7
REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
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CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks
REVIEW / SPECIAL ISSUE
Sports Orthop. Traumatol. xx, xx–xx (2020)
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S. Wagener et al.
CrossFit® – Development, Benefits and Risks 9