JFMK, Vol. 10, Pages 387: Exploratory Analysis on Physiological and Biomechanical Correlates of Performance in the CrossFit Benchmark Workout Fran

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040387

Authors:
Alexandra Malheiro
Pedro Forte
David Rodríguez Rosell
Diogo L. Marques
Mário C. Marques

Background: The multifactorial nature of CrossFit performance remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding sex- and experience-related physiological and biomechanical factors. Methods: Fifteen trained athletes (8 males, 7 females) completed assessments of anthropometry, estimated one-repetition maximums (bench press, back squat, deadlift), squat jump (SJ), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory responses (V˙E), and heart rate (HR). Spearman, Pearson, and partial correlations were calculated with Holm and false discovery rate (FDR) corrections. Results: Males displayed greater body mass, lean and muscle mass, maximal strength, and aerobic capacity than females (all Holm-adjusted p < 0.01). Experienced athletes completed Fran faster than beginners despite broadly similar anthropometric and aerobic profiles. In the pooled sample, WOD time showed moderate negative relationships with estimated 1RM back squat (ρ = −0.54), deadlift (ρ = −0.56), and bench press (ρ = −0.65) before correction; none remained significant after Holm/FDR adjustment, and partial correlations controlling for training years were further attenuated. Conclusions: This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that maximal strength may contribute to Fran performance, whereas conventional aerobic measures were less influential. However, given the very small sample (n = 15, 8 males and 7 females) and the fact that no relationships remained statistically significant after correction for multiple testing, the results must be regarded as preliminary, hypothesis-generating evidence only, requiring confirmation in larger and adequately powered studies.

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Alexandra Malheiro www.mdpi.com