Abstract
This study analyzed the relationship between CrossFit performance and power and strength
variables measured in the full-squat exercise. Twenty male trained subjects (33±7
years) performed an incremental load full-squat test for assessment of the 1-repetition
maximum (1RM) and the mean (Pmean) and peak (Ppeak) power. Performance in 5 different
Workouts of the Day (WODs) was measured on different days, and overall CrossFit performance
was determined as the sum of the scores obtained in these WODs. Athletes were then
assigned to a high (HP) or low (LP) performance group based on the median score for
overall performance. Correlation analysis between squat variables and performance
was performed and between-group differences were assessed. Moderate to strong (r=0.47–0.69,
p<0.05) positive correlations were found between squat variables and performance in
the different WODs. Overall CrossFit performance was strongly and positively associated
with absolute (r=0.62, p=0.01) and relative 1RM (r=0.65, p=0.07), and relative Pmean
(r=0.56, p=0.02) and Ppeak (r=0.53, p=0.03). Large differences (effect sizes ranging
1.1–1.7, all p<0.05) were observed between HP and LP for absolute and relative 1RM,
relative Pmean, and absolute and relative Ppeak. In summary, strength and power indexes
measured in a squat test are positively associated with CrossFit performance.
Key words
assessment - resistance exercise - strength - power
