A comparison of CrossFit and concurrent training on myonectin, insulin resistance and physical performance in healthy young women

Objective To compare the effect of CrossFit and concurrent aerobic + resistance training (CT) on circulating myonectin levels, insulin resistance index, and physical performance in young women. Materials and methods Thirty healthy women were randomly assigned to CrossFit (n = 16) and CT (n = 14) groups, exercising three sessions per week for eight weeks. Serum myonectin levels, insulin resistance index, body composition, and performance variables were evaluated before and after the intervention period. Results Neither the CrossFit nor the CT group improved in myonectin levels and insulin resistance index. While, fat percentage, muscle mass, upper-limb strength, VO2max, HR at rest, lower body mean power output, and upper body peak power output improved more after CrossFit than the CT. Conclusion It seems that CrossFit exercises by targeting multiple fitness components in one exercise session may allow participants to perform more activity in less time.