Analysis of Morphofunctional Variables Associated with Performance in Crossfit® Competitors

• Published in: Journal of human kinetics 2020-07, Vol.73 (1), p.83-91
• Main Authors: Gómez-Landero, Luis Arturo, Frías-Menacho, Juan Miguel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crossfit; high intensity interval training; power; principal component analysis; Section II – Exercise Physiology & Sports Medicine
• ISSN: 1899-7562; 1640-5544; 1899-7562
• DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0134

CrossFit® is a competitive sport and fitness modality characterized by multiple physical capabilities and multi-joint movements. This study aimed to analyse and classify variables related to CrossFit® competitors’ specific performance. Fifteen male CrossFit® competitors were selected (n = 15; 30.57 ± 5.5 years; 1.76 ± 0.06 m; 78.55 ± 9.12 kg). Mean values were obtained for body mass index (25.3 ± 2.14 kg/m2), 4 skinfolds, 1 repetition maximum in the squat (137.60 ± 19.65 kg) and the bench press (101.67 ± 10.64 kg), maximum pull-ups (18.87 ± 5.05), sit-ups in 60 s (46.60 ± 4.22), peak power in the countermovement jump (3908.04 ± 423.68 W), VO2max with a shuttle run test (47.70 ± 4.79 ml kg-1·min-1), and time in the Workout of the Day (WOD) “Fran” (337.13 ± 119.19 s) and “Donkey Kong” (417.47 ± 98.44 s) components. Principal component analysis was conducted to classify variables and to select those most related to each new component (“strength and muscle mass”, “adiposity” and “aerobic capacity”). The correlation matrix was analysed, indicating significant correlations between “Donkey Kong” and VO2max (r = -.675; p “ .01), suprailiac skinfold (r = .713; p “ .01) and sit-ups (r = -.563; p “ .05); and between “Fran” and squat (r = -.528; p “ .05). Three important components characterizing CrossFit® competitors were identified: “strength and muscle mass”, low “adiposity” and “aerobic capacity”. Significant relationships between morphofunctional variables and Crossfit® performance were found in Crossfit® competitors.