GUY LEAHY, MED, CSCS,*D
produced an average caloric expenditure of 260.6 +/- 59.3 kcals.
The exercise intensity of “Cindy” would place this protocol within
the lower range of “vigorous intensity” exercise (64 to 90% of
VO2max) based on ACSM guidelines (12).
One study compared the physiological responses of untrained
individuals in a CrossFit training program to a traditional combined
cardiovascular/RT training program. The study lasted four weeks
in duration. The subjects were tested for body fat percentage,
systolic/diastolic blood pressure, and resting HR. At the end of
the study, no significant differences in any of these physiologic
measures were found. The short duration of the study, however,
does limit interpretation of the results (17).
MILITARY STUDY
One of the greatest concerns regarding ECPs is the potential
for injury. Isolated case reports of rhabdomyolysis and retinal
detachment resulting from ECP exercises have been reported,
though no large-scale study looking at ECP injury rates has
been published previously (7,10). A recent study presented the
first data regarding injury rates of ECPs in a military cohort (6).
This study utilized a survey delivered to 1,393 soldiers in a light
infantry brigade. The survey collected data related to personal
characteristics, tobacco use, unit/personal physical readiness
training, Army physical fitness test (APFT) results, and injuries.
The survey revealed that 1,032 soldiers participated in an ECP
or related programs such as the Advanced Tactical Athlete
Conditioning (ATAC) program, or the Ranger Athlete Warrior
(RAW) program. The remaining 340 soldiers did not participate
in any of these programs. The survey results indicated that risk
factors for injury included gender (female), body mass index
(BMI) greater than 25, smoking, running mileage greater than
16 miles per week, and slow run times (greater than 15:51 on the
APFT). Factors protective of injury include resistance training,
agility drills, and participating in unit physical training at least five
days per week. When comparing the injury rates of soldiers who
participated and those who did not participate in ATAC/ECPs,
overall rates of injury were similar, though the ATAC/ECP group
did exhibit a significantly greater increase in overuse injuries
after the programs were initiated (6). The soldiers who did not
participate in ATAC/ECPs for the duration of the study did not
display increases in overuse injuries.
6
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
What can be said at this point regarding the efficacy of ECP
training programs such as CrossFit, P90X, and Insanity? Clearly,
much additional research needs to be conducted before f