This study evaluated the contribution of lower extremity (hip, knee and ankle) net joint torques (NJT) to whole body power (WBP) output during the power snatch (PS). Ten experienced weightlifters (five males and five females) performed five trials of the PS with 60% of one repetition maximum. Lower extremity NJT and WBP were extracted through a three-dimensional motion analyses and used for data analyses. Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained to observe the relationship between lower extremity NJT and WBP. Multiple-regression (stepwise) analyses was also conducted to evaluate the contribution of lower extremity NJT to WBP during the PS with the hip, knee and ankle NJT being the independent variables. Hip NJT was characterised as a significant positive correlation with WBP (r = 0.47, p < 0.01), while knee NJT showed a significant negative correlation with WBP (r = -0.34, p < 0.05). A significant inter-correlation was also observed between hip NJT and knee NJT (r = -0.66, p < 0.01). Hip NJT was identified as a significant contributor to WBP during the PS. Practically, this study suggested that training skills allowing weightlifters to utilise hip extensor muscle action would help to improve WBP during the PS.

No abstract

No abstract

Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) sends a weak electrical current through the cerebral cortex. tDCS has been shown to be effective in longer activities (>75s) but minimal research has been performed with short, anaerobic tests. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tDCS on Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performance. Methods: Fifteen young, resistance-trained adults (23.7±2.7 years; BMI 24.9±2.6 kg×m-2; 12 males) volunteered for this study. Electrodes were placed at T3 and FP2 for anodal stimulation of the insular cortex (IC), and 2mA of current was supplied for 20 minutes; after a short rest period, subjects performed a WAnT. Dependent variables included peak/mean/relative power, peak heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Experimental and sham conditions were utilized. Paired-samples t-tests were used to determine the effect of tDCS on the dependent variables. Results: Peak power in the experimental condition (1,019.0±237.5W) was not different than that of the sham (1,008.3±240.4W; p=.638). There were no differences in any other WAnT variables, and no differences in peak HR or RPE (all p>.05). Conclusions: The results from this study suggest that tDCS in resistance-trained individuals is not effective in improving performance on an anaerobic test. In addition, it is still considered experimental and its ethical use is questionable.