Crossfit injury rate

Crossfit is probably the hottest training method worldwide right now. In fact, the ACSM has published the upcoming fitness trends for 2014 and Crossfit takes the top spot.

As you can see, you need a certain level of physical ability to do it since it’s a very demanding workout in every way. This is reflected in the high injury rate due to the many repetitions performed in a WOD or competition.

The US medical community, where Crossfit has exploded in recent years, proposed analyzing this type of training over at least 6 months. The subjects in the study were experienced in this discipline (2 years or more). The results showed a 4% increase compared to a group of military personnel doing their usual training. This shows that adding a Crossfit program doesn’t cause many more injuries than military physical work.

Statistics

Also, through an online survey done with the global “Crossfit community,” the following data was gathered:

• A total of 132 questionnaires were collected with an average training experience of around a year and a half and a training volume of 5h 20min per week.
• 73.5% reported having suffered an injury during CrossFit training, with the most common being shoulder injuries (25%), lower back injuries (20%) and knee injuries (17%).
• 7% required surgical intervention.
• Injury rate = 3.1 injuries/1,000 hours of training; a rate similar to those reported in weightlifting, powerlifting, and gymnastics. The injury rate is lower than contact sports like football and rugby.

Practical application

These results should be considered when planning and programming WODs and rest to minimize injury risk. Olympic lifts like the snatch or overhead squat, which require great technical skill, should be performed with a solid foundation and when not fatigued.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Crossfit, like many other sports, has an injury rate directly related to overuse and the physical capacity of those practicing it. Having a base of aerobic endurance (to avoid cardiovascular fatigue), strength (to handle high intensity and volume), and properly learning technique should be PILLARS to avoid getting injured more than usual.

Sources

• Grier T, Canham-Chervak M, McNulty V, Jones BH. (2013) Extreme conditioning programs and injury risk in a US Army Brigade Combat Team. US Army Med Dep J. Oct-Dec:36-47.
• Hak PT, Hodzovic E, Hickey B. (2013).The nature and prevalence of injury during CrossFit training. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Nov 22.
• Smith MM, Sommer AJ, Starkoff BE, Devor ST. (2013) Crossfit-based high-intensity power training improves maximal aerobic fitness and body composition. J Strength Cond Res.;27(11):3159-72