Impact of CrossFit Training Programs on the Physical Health and Sociogenic Somatic Anxiety of Adolescents

Zhiqin  Zhang; Renwei  Yang; Gang  Sun; Yong  Wang

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i7.16053

Zhiqin Zhang Department of Physical Education, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
Renwei Yang Department of Physical Education, Public Basic Course, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Zhejiang College, Jinhua 321013, China
Gang Sun School of Physical Education and Health Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
Yong Wang Department of Physical Education, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i7.16053

Keywords: CrossFit training; Adolescent health; Physical well-being; Social physique anxiety

Abstract

Background: A decline in adolescent health holds significant repercussions for public health. Promoting exercise is essential to improve physical and mental health among youth. This study aimed to explore the effect of CrossFit training programs on the physical health and sociogenic somatic anxiety of adolescents.

Methods: In March 2023, 100 adolescents were openly recruited from eight middle schools in Jinhua, China. The participants, were divided equally into control and experimental groups, experienced either traditional or CrossFit training, respectively, over nine weeks. Evaluation measures included the analysis of social physique anxiety, body esteem, physical self-efficacy, and general physical health before and after the exercise program.

Results: Post-intervention data demonstrated marked reductions across all facets of the social physique anxiety scale, including worries about public scrutiny, anxiety from social comparison, and discomfort related to one’s physical self-image, more so in the experimental group (P<0.05). Likewise, assessments of the physical self-perception profile and physical self-efficacy scale were enhanced, again with the experimental cohort displaying more pronounced improvements (P<0.05). Results from biophysical function evaluations indicated significant health improvements post-intervention, with noted advancements in lung capacity, aerobic fitness by the standing long jump, and muscular endurance as assessed by grip strength, sit-up, and push-up counts, primarily in the experimental group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: CrossFit training offered considerable advantages by reducing social physique anxiety and enhancing adolescents’ body esteem and physical self-efficacy. The program stimulated improvements in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility.