Effect of stretching protocols on strength, power, and force-velocity profile of adult amateur CrossFit practitioners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63750/asah5n55Keywords:
warm-up strategies, ballistic performance, isokinetic strength, squat jump, neuromuscular performanceAbstract
Introduction: CrossFit training commonly includes explosive and ballistic elements requiring rapid force production, therefore the type of stretching used in warm-up may alter immediate performance responses in these athletes.
Aim of the study: This study investigated the acute effects of static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), and no stretching (NS) on lower limb strength, power, jump height, and force-velocity profile in adult amateur CrossFit practitioners.
Methods: Ten well-trained male CrossFit athletes (23.5 ± 3.87 yrs) participated across three randomized and non-consecutive testing sessions. After a standardized warm-up, participants performed one of the three stretching conditions prior to maximal squat jump testing under unloaded and progressively loaded conditions using the Samozino force-velocity method. Maximal voluntary isokinetic knee extension and flexion testing was subsequently performed to evaluate peak torque and peak power. A repeated measures ANOVA was used with the level of significance set at ρ ≤ 0.05, with Bonferroni corrected α = 0.017.
Results: DS significantly increased squat jump height compared to NS, whereas no statistically significant differences were found between SS and DS. Stretching condition did not significantly affect relative Pmax, force-velocity imbalance, relative peak torque, or relative peak power. DS therefore provides an acute performance benefit specifically for vertical jump output, while SS did not produce reductions in performance under the short duration used.
Discussion: DS should be emphasized in CrossFit warm-ups when ballistic tasks are prioritized, while SS may still be included for mobility purposes without meaningful short-term impairment to strength or power.
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