Prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes in Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND: CrossFit is a rapidly growing sport characterised by high-intensity functional movements that place substantial demands on the shoulder complex. Although shoulder injuries are frequently reported, the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and to describe shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes in Pretoria, Gauteng. METHODS : A cross-sectional study was conducted among CrossFit athletes recruited from gyms in Pretoria. Participants completed a sociodemographic and training questionnaire. Pain presence and severity were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), based on current shoulder pain intensity. Shoulder function was assessed using the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS). Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) were used to summarise the data. Chi-square tests were used to explore associations between shoulder pain and selected demographic and training-related variables. RESULTS : Sixty-eight participants provided valid responses for pain analysis, while all participants completed the PSS. The prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain was 76% (95% CI: 64%-85%), with a mean NPRS score of 2.97 ± 2.75/10, indicating predominantly low-intensity pain. Shoulder function was generally preserved, with a mean total PSS of 87.8 ± 12.2 (out of 100). Shoulder pain was significantly associated with previous shoulder injury (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between demographic or training-related variables and shoulder function. CONCLUSION : Self-reported shoulder pain is highly prevalent among uninjured CrossFit athletes despite largely preserved shoulder function. These findings suggest that athletes may continue training despite experiencing pain, highlighting the importance of routine screening and early intervention strategies.