Examining strength, muscular power, and maximal performance in the power clean among CrossFit® practitioners

Abstract

Background: CrossFit® (CF) a globally embraced fitness program, has gained widespread popularity for its comprehensive approach to improving overall fitness. Central to its methodology is the emphasis on enhancing various physical attributes, including strength and muscular power. The power clean (PC), an integral exercise within CF, serves as an importante tool for assessing the muscular strength profile. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between muscle strength, power variables, and maximal performance in executing the PC, an Olympic Weightlifting exercise, among CF practitioners. Material and methods: Thirty-five recreationally trained men, with an average age of 31 ± 5.2 years and a body mass of 85.7 ± 13.6 kg, actively participated in the study. The assessment of muscular strength involved key measures such as the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test, countermovement vertical jump (CMJ), and relative 1-RM progressive test specifically tailored for the PC exercise. Results: Our findings found significant correlations between the indices of strength, muscle power and load in PC. The variables exhibiting the highest correlations with 1-RM in the PC were maximal dynamic strength (Fmax (dyn)) (R=0.76), maximal power (Pmax) (R=0.71), and maximal isometric strength (Fmax (iso)) (R=0.51). However, lower limbs power output (LLP) (R=0.42) was very low predictive value and RFD presented trivial and small correlation values without statistical significance. Conclusion: We conclude that Fmax (dyn) and Pmax have a greater capacity to estimate 1-RM in the PC exercise in CF practitioners. Fmax (iso) and LLP had a lower predictive capacity, certainly because they are not evaluated during PC movement. The RFD, despite being important, showed trivial-low predictive capacity, certainly because it was measured during the IMTP test. Further studies with other OW exercises may provide more detailed information about the relationship between strength variables and the execution of these movements.