Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Spiroergometry Testing in Crossfit

Abstract

PURPOSE: CrossFit is a young sport discipline which offers varied strength and endurance training throu- gh complex exercises. Currently there are relatively few studies focusing on performance analysis in terms of the physiological response of organism. The aim of the research was to verify near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with spiroergometry as a functional means for specific load testing in CrossFit and to find out what physiological changes occur in CrossFit. METHODS: Elite crossfitter (male, age 20, body height 185 cm, body weight 87 kg) formed part of this study. Two Moxy sensors (placed on the vastus lateralis muscle and the intercostal muscles) and chest (strap) heart rate (HR) sensor were used for obtaining the data. The Cortex MetaMax 3BR2 system was used for portable spiroergometry. The AMRAP method (as many repetitions as possible) was used for testing. The selected test consisted of (1) 10 Deadlifts, 100 kg, 15 Assault Air Bike Calories; (2) 12 lunges (with two 20 kg Kettlebell), 10 push-ups, 8 ring pull up; (3) 20 SkiErg Calories, 10 50 kg back squat, 10 toes to bar. RESULTS: The testing has confirmed that breathing functions and muscle oxidation can be well observed under load in given exercises and movements. It has been confirmed that CrossFit provides a very varied load to which the organism must respond immediately. The strength load changes, causing deflection in SmO2 and VCO2 which consequently imposes demands on the respiratory component. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which monitors the load in the combination of strength and endur- ance load through crossfit elements. Based on our result, it seems that linking NIRS and spirometry is a suitable combination for a comprehensive analysis of the athlete not only for CrossFit. The information obtained can be applied in practice in the context of optimal training load settings.