Repeated Anaerobic Tests Predicts Performance Among a Group of Advanced CrossFit® Trained Athletes
Department
Exercise Science and Sport Management
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-30-2018
Abstract
High-intensity functional training (HIFT) (i.e. CrossFit training) uses a combination of movements, and self-selected time periods of work and rest. However, little is known regarding the physiological responses to an acute bout of HIFT exercise or the physical parameters that distinguish performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological response to consecutive Wingate trials with short, active recovery periods in advanced CrossFit athletes. Twenty-nine advance level CrossFit trained athletes volunteered for this study. Participants were required to complete four-consecutive Wingate anaerobic tests (WAT), and a 15-minute CrossFit style workout. Across the four WAnT trials, significant (p < 0.001) changes were observed in VO2, RER, and HR. Significant (p ≤ 0.001) differences between WAnT trials were observed in all anaerobic performance measures. Compared to all other trials, greater PP (p < 0.04), RPP (p < 0.02), AP (p < 0.001), RAP (p < 0.001), and TW (p < 0.001), along with a lower FI (p < 0.01), were observed during WAnT 1. Overall, the four consecutive WAnT trials resulted in a significant (F = 177.0, p < 0.001) increase of blood lactate response. Stepwise regression revealed that the ability to predict total repetitions completed during the 15-min AMRAP improved as the participants progressed from the first to the third WAnT trial. Our data suggests that combined with the ability to better maintain performance across high-intensity exercise bouts, the ability to quickly recover between bouts is most important for CF performance.
Journal Title
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Journal ISSN
1715-5312
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1139/apnm-2018-0509