1/4h Neuro #30 Brooke Wells and her injury at the CF Games with the RNP eye

Brooke Wells' Injury at the CrossFit Games

Hello everyone and welcome to the neuro quarter-hour! Today, we will address a current topic that marked the CrossFit Games this weekend: the injury of Brooke Wells, one of the world's top CrossFit athletes. Following this event, many questions were raised, and social media was flooded with speculation.

For those who may not have followed, Brooke Wells injured her elbow during a weightlifting event. We will analyze what happened and, more importantly, discuss the factors that could have prevented such an injury, avoiding quick judgments about technique and adopting a more holistic and systemic approach.

Analysis of Brooke Wells' Injury: Beyond Technique

Dr. Ed Caddy, closely associated with the StrongFit movement, shared a relevant analysis. There is a clear asymmetry between the athlete's left and right sides, poor engagement during bar movements, grips that strain the right biceps, and asymmetry during her jumps.

Furthermore, her rope pull shows abnormal external rotation on the right and internal rotation on the left. StrongFit recommends an internal rotation for better engagement of the latissimus dorsi, which was clearly not the case here. All these observations suggest pre-existing imbalances that may have contributed to the injury at the critical moment.

The Systemic Approach to Sports Injuries

Romain emphasizes that it is difficult to judge without knowing the athlete and their training. The issue is more complex than just technique, especially in competition. A comprehensive assessment, including StrongFit tests, is needed to evaluate the structural balance around the shoulder and identify the root causes.

The accumulated fatigue during the Games, where events are quickly stacked, is a major environmental factor. Brooke Wells was already on her third event of the second day. The stress of competition, the atmosphere in the stadiums, and the pressure push athletes to exceed their limits, potentially beyond what their bodies can handle.

The Importance of Imbalances and Asymmetries

Red Flags

Past photos of Brooke Wells reveal blatant imbalances and asymmetries. These elements, even if they may go unnoticed during training, become critical in situations of intense stress and fatigue. Technique can be affected, and rapid movements without perfect placement can lead to serious injuries, especially if pre-existing pain is present.

In-depth work on rehabilitation and correcting these asymmetries is necessary. StrongFit tests, particularly the engagement of the triceps and latissimus dorsi, are crucial for detecting these imbalances and implementing targeted biomechanical work.

The Role of Ego and Competition

It is possible that a sense of "ego" pushed the athlete to lift the bar despite pain or fatigue, especially in a competition where every point counts. However, the financial stakes and sponsorship contracts add considerable pressure that may lead athletes to take reckless risks.

Prevention and Identification of Limiting Factors

To prevent such injuries, it is essential to consider imbalances, asymmetries, and accumulated fatigue. The "cherry-picking" of attributing the injury to a single cause is reductive. A systemic approach is essential, and only the athlete's staff can have a comprehensive view.

Engaging experts in weightlifting, physical preparation, and neuro-postural reprogramming would help identify limiting factors that hinder optimal technical performance, even with the best intentions. Under stress, performance is no longer optimal, and the risk of injury increases.

Biomechanics and Neurosciences in Service of Performance

Prior to events, comprehensive assessments combining biomechanical and neurological aspects are crucial. StrongFit assessments help understand what fails and why. Observing fatigue, particularly during exercises like internal rotation rope pulls, quickly reveals imbalances.

It is also important to check the muscular chains of the arms, the engagement of the pectorals and latissimus dorsi, as well as archaic reflexes and sensitivity, especially those related to the elbow (asymmetric and symmetric tonic reflexes of the neck).

Moreover, cerebellar tests for proprioception and vestibular system assessments could provide additional insights, especially in cases of persistent asymmetries or a history of injuries on the same side. The goal is to understand the origin of the imbalances and address them before they lead to serious injuries.

Conclusion

Brooke Wells' injury highlights the importance of a holistic approach in high-level sports. Beyond technique, biomechanical imbalances, fatigue, stress, and neurological factors play a crucial role. Observation and comprehensive evaluation are key to preventing these injuries and optimizing athletes' performance.