Which term refers to an athlete's capacity to maintain a neutral spinal position?

The term that refers to an athlete's capacity to maintain a neutral spinal position is midline stabilization. This concept is fundamental in CrossFit and other strength training modalities, as maintaining a neutral spine is crucial for both performance and injury prevention. Midline stabilization involves the ability to engage the muscles around the spine and pelvis to maintain proper alignment during various movements. This ensures that the spine remains in a safe and effective position, allowing the athlete to execute lifts and other physical tasks more efficiently and safely.

While mobility relates to the range of motion in joints and the ability of muscles and connective tissues to allow movement, it does not specifically address spinal alignment. Core engagement is important as it contributes to midline stabilization, but it refers more broadly to activating the muscles of the core zone. Muscle efficiency deals with the effectiveness with which muscles contract and produce force, but it does not directly indicate the maintenance of a neutral spine. Thus, midline stabilization is the most accurate term for this aspect of athletic performance.