Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Exercise Regimen Could Cut Prescription Drug Use, Study Finds

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Although CrossFit often conjures images of the exceptionally fit, this perception should not deter anyone from participating. CrossFit is inherently designed to be inclusive, featuring workouts that can be scaled to accommodate individuals of varying ages and fitness levels. This reflects the philosophy that the requirements of elite athletes differ from those of novices solely in terms of intensity rather than type.

By integrating both strength and aerobic training, CrossFit proves to be a potent method for enhancing functional fitness, muscular strength, and cardiovascular health.

Moreover, a recent study we conducted suggests that the health benefits associated with CrossFit may even diminish the necessity for prescription medications among individuals with chronic conditions.

This presents a potential alternative to conventional pharmacological treatments, which could alleviate pressures on healthcare systems. In our research, we engaged 1,211 CrossFit practitioners from the UK, aged 19 to 67, with a significant proportion, 38 percent, in the 30-39 age group.

Among the participants, 280 reported using at least one prescribed medication for health issues such as anxiety, asthma, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic pain prior to beginning CrossFit. Remarkably, 54 percent of these participants indicated a reduction in their medication dosage following their involvement in CrossFit.

Of those who reduced their prescriptions, 69 ceased their medication entirely, while 82 reduced their doses by over fifty percent. Such improvements predominantly occurred within the initial six months of training.

Our findings reveal that younger participants, particularly those aged 20 to 29, exhibited a greater propensity for medication reduction, with 43 percent reporting significant cuts in dosage and 27 percent entirely discontinuing their medications.

In summary, while this study does not establish a direct causation between CrossFit and reduced medication use, the observable enhancements in health are noteworthy and signal the potential of CrossFit to positively influence health outcomes.

Athalie Redwood-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Performance Analysis of Sport, Nottingham Trent University and Jen Wilson, Senior Exercise and Health Practitioner, Nottingham Trent University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Inclusive /ɪnˈkluː.sɪv/ (adjective): Including all elements or groups; not excluding any.
  2. Potent /ˈpoʊ.tənt/ (adjective): Having great power influence or effect.
  3. Enhancing /ɪnˈhænsɪŋ/ (verb): Improving or increasing the quality value or extent of something.
  4. Chronic /ˈkrɒn.ɪk/ (adjective): Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring often referring to illness.
  5. Causation /kɔːˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of causing something; the relationship between cause and effect.
  6. Propensity /prəˈpɛn.sɪ.ti/ (noun): An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.

How much do you know?


What perception about CrossFit should not deter anyone from participating?
It is only for elite athletes
It requires high levels of intensity
It is not inclusive
It focuses solely on aerobic training


How many CrossFit practitioners were engaged in the research mentioned?
1,011
1,211
1,311
1,411


What percentage of participants reported a reduction in their medication dosage after starting CrossFit?
34%
44%
54%
64%


Which age group exhibited a greater propensity for medication reduction?
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-67


Where did the study on CrossFit and medication reduction take place?
USA
UK
Australia
Canada


What type of training does CrossFit integrate?
Strength only
Aerobic only
Cardio only
Strength and aerobic


CrossFit workouts cannot be scaled to accommodate individuals of varying fitness levels.


The study showed a direct causation between CrossFit and reduced medication use.


Younger participants aged 20 to 29 exhibited the least reduction in medication usage.


The researchers conducted the study at Harvard University.


CrossFit is designed to be inclusive.


The study included participants from various age groups.


Younger participants, particularly those aged 20 to 29, exhibited a greater propensity for medication .


The observable enhancements in health signal the potential of CrossFit to positively influence outcomes.


CrossFit integrates both strength and training.


Our findings reveal that younger participants, particularly those aged 20 to 29, exhibited a greater propensity for reduction.

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