Effects of crossfit intervention on students’ physical fitness in physical education: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Main Authors: Han, Y., Syed Ali, Syed Kamaruzaman, Ji, L.
• Format: Article
• Published: Editura Universitatea din Pitesti 2021
• Subjects: L Education (General); LC Special aspects of education
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35543/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85117013427&doi=10.7752%2fjpes.2021.05346&partnerID=40&md5=1f77133874e62c3f00c40339cbfa11a0

Problem statement: There are inconsistent views on the effects of CrossFit on students' physical fitness in physical education. Purpose: This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature concerning effects of CrossFit intervention on students in physical education through meta-analysis. Material: A total of 60 studies were identified and screened from 4 electronic databases (SCOPUS n = 22, Web of Science n = 9, PubMed n = 28, ScienceDirect n = 1). Methods: The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. The process of systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the Cochrane Handbook and Review Manager Software (RevMan-5.4.1). The effect sizes with 95 confidence intervals were calculated using inverse variance and random effects analysis models. The heterogeneity was evaluated using the forest plot. Results: A total of 6 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 6 articles had a high level of evidence at low risk of bias in attrition and reporting. Previous studies on the effects of CrossFit on students' physical fitness in physical education reported on upper-body strength, lower-body power, core strength, change in BMI, cardiopulmonary function, and aerobic capacity. In the meta-analysis, the outcomes suggested that CrossFit significantly increased the performance of push-ups and handgrip. Positive effects on performance in pull-ups, squats, VO2max and shuttle runs were observed. There was a null effect in physical fitness test in core strength, standing long jump and BMI. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis show that CrossFit as a high-intensity functional and interval training program is a positive strategy for developing students’ physical quality and fitness in schools’ physical education courses, especially for developing upper-body strength. © JPES.