Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: CrossFit® is a high-intensity functional training modality with increasing popularity, yet limited evidence describes the general profile of its practitioners. Objective: To characterize CrossFit® athletes based on their training habits, injury prevalence, and nutritional supplement use, with specific consideration given to sex and age. Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 358 practitioners (182 women; mean age 35.6 ± 9.1 years) from various Spanish regions. Descriptive and comparative analyses (χ2 and ANOVA; p < 0.05) were conducted for training patterns, injury history, and supplement consumption. Results: Over half of the sample had practiced CrossFit® for more than three years, typically training 3–4 days per week in one-hour sessions. Participants primarily reported social and health-related motivations and identified as non-competitive. Overall, 42.2% experienced at least one CrossFit®-related injury, most frequently affecting the shoulder (15.6%) and lumbar spine (10.1%), largely attributed to repetitive overload. Supplement use was widespread (81.8%), with creatine (60.3%) and protein (49.4%) being the most commonly consumed. Conclusions: CrossFit® practitioners train consistently, value the social environment, and show an injury pattern similar to that of other strength-based disciplines. Supplement consumption is highly prevalent across groups. Coaches and health professionals should prioritize injury-prevention strategies, promote safe load progression, and guide responsible supplement use.
Source: Sci
DOI: 10.3390/sci8010021
Institution: Universidad de Jaén
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
OpenAlex ID: W7124935237