Likelihood of Injury and Medical Care Between CrossFit and Traditional Weightlifting Participants

Abstract

Background: CrossFit is a popular weightlifting sport, with participants who report significant improvements in physical health; however, others argue that CrossFit exposes participants to an increased risk and severity of injury. We address this through a retrospective cohort study. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the likelihood of self-reported injury and severity in CrossFit and traditional weightlifting in the previous 2 years. We hypothesized that CrossFit participants would have a higher 2-year likelihood of injury and medical care compared with a traditional weightlifting cohort. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Anonymous volunteers who participated regularly in CrossFit or traditional weightlifting routines completed a 15-question survey that queried workout routine, injury history, and medical care due to a weightlifting injury. Inclusion criteria included those older than 18 years who were active participants in CrossFit and weightlifting. Unpaired t-test analyses were conducted to compare means of continuous data between participants in CrossFit and traditional weightlifting. A multivariant logistic regression model was used to assess the association of training routine, sex, and age with those sustaining at least 1 injury within the past 2 years. Results: A total of 411 participants (122 CrossFit; 289 traditional weightlifting) completed the questionnaire. Those following a CrossFit routine were 1.30 times more likely to be injured (95% CI, 1.075-1.57; P =.0067) and 1.86 times more likely to seek medical attention (95% CI, 1.40-2.48; P