title: Rates and risk factors of injury in CrossFitTM: a prospective cohort study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  CrossFitTM is a strength and conditioning program that has gained widespread popularity since its inception approximately 15 years ago. However, at present little is known about the level of injury risk associated with this form of training. Movement competency, assessed using the Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMS), has been identified as a risk factor for injury in numerous athletic populations, but its role in CrossFit participants is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of injury risk associated with CrossFit training, and examine the influence of a number of potential risk factors (including movement competency).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort of 117 CrossFit participants were followed prospectively for 12 weeks. Participants' characteristics, previous injury history and training experience were recorded at baseline, and an FMS assessment was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall injury incidence rate was 2.10 per 1000 training hours (90% confidence limits: 1.32-3.33). A multivariate Poisson regression model identified males (rate ratio [RR]: 4.44 ×/÷ 3.30, very likely harmful) and those with previous injuries (RR: 2.35 ×/÷ 2.37, likely harmful) as having a higher injury risk. Inferences relating to FMS variables were unclear in the multivariate model, although number of asymmetries was a clear risk factor in a univariate model (RR per two additional asymmetries: 2.62 ×/÷ 1.53, likely harmful).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The injury incidence rate associated with CrossFit training was low, and comparable to other forms of recreational fitness activities. Previous injury and gender were identified as risk factors for injury, whilst the role of movement competency in this setting warrants further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.affiliation: Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Booker
authors.affiliation: Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Staines
authors.affiliation: Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK - S.Williams@bath.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult