Abstract
Objectives
CrossFit is an increasingly popular high intensity work out program geared towards
high repetition and intensity done in short intervals. Recently, documented cases
of rhabdomyolysis (muscle necrosis and extreme muscle breakdown) after CrossFit participation
have become increasingly concerning to physicians and participants alike.
Design
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods
All patients who presented to the main hospital at a major academic center complaining
of an injury sustained performing CrossFit between June 2010 and June 2016 were identified
by the key phrases ‘CrossFit’, ‘crossfit’, ‘Crossfit’ or ‘cross fit’.
Results
523 patients incurred injuries associated with CrossFit activities. 11 patients presented
to our institution ultimately received a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis (2.1%). The average
age of Rhabdomyolysis patient was 34.9 years, with 81.9% of patients being male. The
average BMI was 24.2, and the average experience level was beginner (54.5%). The most
common presenting symptom was dark urine (90.9%), followed by upper extremity pain
(54.5%). Average symptom duration was 2.9 days with 81.8% of patients presenting initially to the ED. The average hospital stay
was roughly 2.9 days, and patients had an average of 1.44 clinical follow up visits.
Conclusion
CrossFit participation poses significant risks to participants including exercise
induced rhabdomyolysis. Further study is needed in order to raise awareness of this
issue and further quantify risk factors that may promote injury during participation.
Abbreviations:
ERI (exercise related injuries), ED (emergency department), BMI (body mass index), CK (creatinine kinase), ALT (alanine amino transferase), AST (aspartate amino transferase)Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: February 22, 2019
Accepted:
January 31,
2019
Received in revised form:
January 22,
2019
Received:
August 2,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
