Crossfit i et folkehelseperspektiv : effekt av crossfit på fysisk form, kroppssammensetning, selvvurdert helse og motivasjon blant inaktive voksne.

Abstract

Introduction: Inactivity is a major public health challenge in today's society and it is important to find strategies on prevention. In Norway only 20% of the adult population meets the daily recommendations of 30 minutes of physical activity. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether CrossFit can contribute to changes in physical fitness and body composition in physically inactive men and women between 20 and 40 years. Furthermore, this study aims to see to what extent CrossFit can contribute to a better self-perception of own health in physically inactive, and whether this form of exercise is feasible and motivating. Method: This study is a randomized controlled intervention study. Data collection was performed at baseline (pre-test) and after eight weeks (post-test) in healthy inactive men and women between 20 and 40 years in Bergen municipality (n = 34). Results: The main findings of the study was that eight weeks of CrossFit showed significant changes in some of the subtests in physical fitness, however, small changes in body composition, the percentage of fat and visceral fat in inactive healthy adults. The intervention proved to have a positive effect on the participants' assessment of their own health, and it was both feasible and increased motivation among the participants. The study found no changes in any of the variables in the control group from pre- to post- test. Conclusion: CrossFit can have a positive effect on physical fitness, body composition and self-perceived health in inactive healthy adults. In addition, it appears that CrossFit improves motivation to engage in this form of physical activity. Keywords: Public health, Inactive adults, CrossFit, High intensity training, body composition, physical fitness.