Predictor Variables of Portuguese Men’s Performance in the 2023 Open CrossFit® Games

Abstract

CrossFit® is a training methodology characterised by functional movements, constantly varied and performed at high intensity. As it incorporates a wide range of movements, stimuli, and challenges, identifying the most relevant performance variables serves as a valuable resource for coaches to guide athletes’ training. This study aimed to analyse the predictor variables of Portuguese men’s performance in the 2023 CrossFit® Open. The top 120 male athletes from the 2023 national leaderboard were invited to participate by completing a questionnaire and signing an informed consent form. The sample had an average age of 28 years, an average height of 177 cm, weighed 83 kg, and had more than 6 years of experience. The study evaluated 14 performance predictor variables, categorised into five general endurance variables (e.g., 1000m row, 5km run), four gymnastics variables (e.g., maximum consecutive ring muscle-ups), six weightlifting variables (e.g., 1RM snatch, clean), and six benchmark workouts (e.g., “Murph,” “Fran”). Associations between variables were analyzed using simple and multiple linear regressions with GraphPad Prism 7 software. The results indicated that the most relevant variables were ring muscle-ups (r = –0.48), 1RM snatch (r = –0.54), and “Murph” (r = 0.47). The Open workouts most predictive of the final standings were 23.1 (r = 0.81) and 23.3 (r = 0.77). The multiple regression equation that best explained performance included significant variables from weightlifting, gymnastics, and workouts. It was concluded that stronger athletes with greater resistance to muscular fatigue under external loads were the best prepared for the 2023 Open.