Masters Thesis

Assessing Physiological Responses and Factors Associated with CrossFit Karen Performance

Introduction: Physiological responses to exercise and anthropometric characteristics effect on performance have been well studied but have not been found to be a predictor of performance (i.e. time or reps) in CrossFit. Understanding factors associate with performance is important and thus the purpose of this study was to examine physiological responses and anthropometric characteristic effect on performance in the CrossFit Workout “Karen” (150 wallballs for time). Methods: 37 participants (24 males, 13 females) completed 150 wallballs for time with blood lactate values taken pre- and post- assessment (post blood lactate: 13.15 ± 3.31 mmol*l-1), anthropometric measurements (limb lengths) were taken pre-assessment. Performance was designated as time to completion (10.6 ± 3.6 mins). Results: Correlations between performance and height (r=-.408), arm length (r= -.354), leg length, and thigh length a unit increase displayed a .408, .354, .523, and .475 decrease in performance time, respectively. multivariable regression showed that, when taken together, there was no significant effect of the anthropometric measurements on Karen performance. Conclusion: Anthropometric characteristics may impact Karen performance, but more research is needed to better understand their effect. Examining factors associated with performance can help with developing effective training programs.

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