1034 - NEW FORMS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH PREVENTION. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A 4-WEEK CROSSFIT INTRO TRAINING IN REDUCING THE SEVERITY OF STRESS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS - PRELIMINARY REPORT FROM A POLISH STUDY

Session: P_D12S001 - Poster Session 1 - Division 12
AUTHORS:
Dębski Pawel (Medical University of Silesia ~ Katowice ~ Poland) , Czyz Kristian (Humanitas University ~ Sosnowiec ~ Poland) , Debska-Janus Malgorzata (Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice ~ Katowice ~ Poland) , Meisner Michal (Humanitas University ~ Sosnowiec ~ Poland) , Smolarczyk Joanna (Medical University of Silesia ~ Katowice ~ Poland) , Turska-Czyz Dorota (Medical University of Silesia ~ Katowice ~ Poland) , Piegza Magdalena (Medical University of Silesia ~ Katowice ~ Poland) , Badura-Brzoza Karina (Medical University of Silesia ~ Katowice ~ Poland) , Skalski-Bednarz Sebastian Binyamin (Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt ~ Eichstätt ~ Germany)
Abstract text:
Introduction: CrossFit® - A Unique Functional Training Methodology is an innovative training program that combines strength, endurance, and gymnastics development. Its primary goal is the comprehensive development of motor skills, thereby contributing to improved physical fitness in participants. Preliminary reports also indicate that this type of training may be important in improving the psychological functioning of participants.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week CrossFit Intro training in reducing the severity of symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
Material: 84 mentally healthy Polish adults participated in the study. 40 individuals (52.5% men), participated in a 4-week CrossFit Intro training group, while 44 individuals (29.5% men), participated in a control group, not taking part in any functional training.
Methods: The experimental group underwent a 4-week CrossFit Intro training program. Both the experimental and control groups were measured twice (before and after the intervention) for the severity of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. PSS-10 and HADS scales were used. The paired t-test was used to examine the significance of changes in the both groups.
Results: In the experimental group participating in the 4-week CrossFit Intro training, a significant decrease in the severity of stress symptoms (mean I = 20.50; mean II = 13.28; p <0.001), anxiety (mean I = 8.20; mean II = 5.28; p <0.001) and depression (mean I = 7.13; mean II = 3.58; p <0.001) was observed. In the control group, only a much less pronounced decrease in the severity of stress symptoms was observed (mean I = 16.02; mean II = 13.80; p <0.01), while no significant changes were noted in the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms.
Conclusions: CrossFit Intro training can be an effective method of enhancing the psychological functioning of participants by supporting the reduction of the severity of psychopathological symptoms related to stress, anxiety and depression.