Physiological and biomechanical characteristics of a Hyrox world champion—a case study

Abstract

Background: We investigated the physiological and biomechanical characteristics of an elite Hyrox athlete, aiming to develop appropriate diagnostic protocols and to guide future needs-analysis studies in Hyrox.

Methods: An incremental step protocol with a subsequent ramp was applied before and after a Hyrox-specific simulation consisting of 5 × 1 km self-paced running bouts interspersed with 4 × Hyrox-specific exercises (rowing, farmers carry, lunges, and burpee broad jumps). Gas exchange, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and kinematic and spatiotemporal data were measured during the study protocol, with the exception of gas exchange measurements that were made during the simulation.

Results: The athlete (25 years old, 180.8 cm, 80.7 kg, world champion, PB Hyrox Pro Single: 56:19 and Double: 50:24 min) reached a $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ O 2 max of 61.3 mL/kg and min before and 57.0 mL/kg and min after the Hyrox-specific simulation. He tended to have a better running economy (RE) and lower blood lactate levels at higher running speeds in the step test after the Hyrox-specific simulation. The step rate during the runs in the Hyrox-specific simulation appears to have been influenced by the previous Hyrox-specific exercises.

Conclusion: The athlete showed an excellent $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ O 2 max but an even better RE. Future studies should investigate how the different Hyrox-specific exercises influence biomechanics and physiology during subsequent runs to identify athletes’ potential and improve their overall performance.