Physical therapy approach to Crossfit: ethnographic study

Abstract

CrossFit is a high intensity training modality. It is considered a community with a physical and social cultural environment. Physical therapists are health professionals who specialize in the movement system, who have a unique role in prevention, “fitness” and health promotion. The purpose of the research was to explore and describe the CrossFit community in Puerto Rico, to learn about its culture, dynamics, and how its components could have some relationship with physical therapy services. A qualitative investigation with ethnographic design was carried out following the theoretical framework of community sense. Two centers affiliated with CrossFit were visited, where participant observation, sociodemographic profile, field notes and semi-structured interviews were made. As a result, CrossFit community in Puerto Rico could be described highlighting benefits and characteristic aspects of its culture; the group and the coaches are decisive; Participants indicated possible risk and prevention factors for injuries and the contribution that physical therapy can make was recognized.