Exploratory Analysis of the Correlations Between Physiological and Biomechanical Variables and Performance in the CrossFit® Fran Benchmark Workout

Malheiro, Alexandra; Forte, Pedro; Rosell, David Rodríguez; Marques, Diogo L.; Marques, Mário C.

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35457

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Authors

Malheiro, Alexandra

Forte, Pedro

Rosell, David Rodríguez

Marques, Diogo L.

Marques, Mário C.

Abstract(s)

The multifactorial nature of CrossFit performance remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding sex- and experience-related physiological and biomechanical factors. 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 (VO(2)max), ventilatory responses ( V E-center dot), and heart rate (HR). Spearman, Pearson, and partial correlations were calculated with Holm and false discovery rate (FDR) corrections. 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 (rho = -0.54), deadlift (rho = -0.56), and bench press (rho = -0.65) before correction; none remained significant after Holm/FDR adjustment, and partial correlations controlling for training years were further attenuated. 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.

Keywords

CrossFit Maximal strength Aerobic fitness Training experience Sex diferences Exploratory analysis

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35457

Citation

Malheiro, Alexandra; Forte, Pedro; Rodriguez Rosell, David; Marques, Diogo L.; Marques, Mario C. (2025). Exploratory Analysis of the Correlations Between Physiological and Biomechanical Variables and Performance in the CrossFit® Fran Benchmark Workout. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. ISSN 2411-5142. 10:4, p. 1-16