Force–velocity profiles in CrossFit athletes: A cross-sectional study considering sex, age, and training frequency

Abstract

Introduction: The force–velocity profile has been analysed previously in different sports modalities; nevertheless, it has not been analysed in CrossFit. Objective: The aim of this study was to report neuromuscular characteristics of CrossFit athletes using their individual force-velocity profile, investigating differences according to sex, age, and training frequency. Materials and Meth-ods: 72 males (33.17 ± 6.86 years; BMI: 25.93 ± 3.64 kg/m2) and 18 females (30.11 ± 6.92 years; BMI: 23.53 ± 3.98 kg/m2) participated in this study. The force-velocity profile was calculated using Samo-zino’s method. Furthermore, neuromuscular characterization was completed with a squat jump and three drop jumps (20, 30, and 40 cm). Results: Regarding sex, significant differences in all analysed mechanical variables (p < 0.001) were found except for the theoretical maximal force (p = 0.944). No significant differences were found between age groups. Considering training frequency, athletes who train more than 5 days per week showed higher performance in all analysed mechanical variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CrossFit athletes have a force-velocity profile more oriented towards velocity than force. Males and females have different neuromuscular characteristics, also neuromus-cular improvements can be achieved at any age. Moreover, higher neuromuscular performance is developed with a training frequency of 5 days or more per week.