Injuries to Crossfit practitioners: narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: CrossFit is a training program based on fitness development which has been gaining popularity, both in its competitive and non-competitive modes. The training uses three standards to guide physical conditioning: development of skills, such as endurance and strength; good performance in all tasks; and competency and training of pathways that determine metabolic conditioning. Objective: To assess the most frequent types of injuries associated with CrossFit training and the causes and risk factors for their occurrence. Methodology: The literature review was conducted between October and November 2021 in the PubMed, BVS, LILACS and IBECS databases, using the MeSH terms “high intensity interval training”, “sports injury” and “injury”. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight studies were used in the review and a table with the main findings of each one was created. The results found were divided into 4 groups, referring to: upper limbs; lower limbs; trunk and spine; and risk factors for injuries. Shoulder and knee injuries were the most prevalent, and there is a need for further studies on spinal and trunk injuries. As for risk factors for the occurrence of injuries, the correlations between CrossFit experience, training frequency, and participation in competition are not well defined. Conclusion: The studies found different values of prevalence, but agreed that shoulder injuries were more prevalent in the upper limbs, knee injuries in lower limbs, and lumbar injuries in the spine. Despite the scarcity of literature on the subject, there is a clear need for the supervision of trained professionals in order to avoid injuries.