The physical demands and physiological responses to CrossFit®: a scoping review with evidence gap map and meta-correlation

Martinho, Diogo V ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0825-4032, Rebelo, André ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2441-9167, Gouveia, Élvio R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0927-692X, Field, Adam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2600-6182, Costa, Renato, Ribeiro, Alex S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0312-8857, Casonatto, Juliano, Amorim, Catarina and Sarmento, Hugo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8681-0642 (2024) The physical demands and physiological responses to CrossFit®: a scoping review with evidence gap map and meta-correlation. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 16. 196. ISSN 2052-1847

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Abstract

Background: CrossFit® combines different types of activities (weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiovascular training) that challenge aerobic and anaerobic pathways. Over the last few years, the scientific interest in CrossFit® has increased considerably. However, there have been no published reviews characterizing the physical demands and physiological responses to CrossFit®. The present study synthesizes current evidence on the physical demands and physiological responses to CrossFit®. Methods: The search was performed in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Manuscripts related to the physical and physiological performance of adult CrossFit® participants written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were retrieved for the analysis. Results: In addition, a meta-correlation was conducted to examine the predictors of CrossFit® performance. A total of 68 papers were included in the review. Physical and physiological markers differed between the different workouts analyzed. In addition, 48 to 72 hours are needed to recover from a CrossFit® challenge. Specific tests that involve CrossFit® movements were more related to CrossFit® performance than non-specific. Conclusion: Although the characterization of CrossFit® is dependent on the workout examined, the benefits of muscle hypertrophy are aligned with the recent findings of concurrent training. The characterization of CrossFit® entire sessions and appropriate recovery strategies should be considered in future studies to help coaches manipulate and adjust the training load.