Biomechanical Analysis of Women Weightlifters During the Snatch

Abstract

The majority of the research to date on weightlifting has focused on men competitors. This study attempted to bridge the sex-based gap evident in the scientific literature. The performances of 10 women weightlifters competing in the 1999 United States national championships were analyzed. The performance of the athletes competing in the 69-kg class was recorded and analyzed using a Peak5 2D Motion Analysis system. The purpose of this study was 3-fold: (a) analyze the horizontal bar displacement of women weightlifters, (b) analyze key kinematic variables related to performance, and (c) compare the power outputs of the first, second, and total pulls in the snatch. Less than half (<50%) of the snatch attempts demonstrated by the women weightlifters in this study displayed the optimal toward-away-toward horizontal bar trajectory reported elsewhere. The women in this study demonstrated greater drop displacement and drop under times than those previously reported for men weightlifters. They also demonstrated lesser maximal vertically velocities of the barbell than those reported for world class women weightlifters. These women weightlifters demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) during each phase of the snatch, and total power output values were comparable to values previously reported. The results of this study suggest that women demonstrate performance characteristics that differ subtly from those reported in men weightlifters. Knowledge of performance measures during the snatch may help coaches and athletes more fully refine the training leading to competition.

Plantar Pressure Distribution in Female Olympic-Style Weightlifters

“…The differences that were observed in the static and dynamic measures were not statistically significant and can be attributed to the large variation of the studied parameters in both groups. However, these findings may be important contributions towards a better understanding of the mechanisms that affect plantar biomechanics and its effects on modifying the musculoskeletal system [25,26]. Such an understanding could prevent and/or minimize the incidence of possible injuries not only among weightlifters but also for those not involved in sports.…”

“…The greatest magnitude of average plantar pressure was observed in the rearfoot of the non-dominant limb in both groups. This may be associated with the functional shortening of the superficial dorsal line, disturbed muscle tension on the plantar surface, or shortening of the hamstring muscles [15,25]. Research by Sato has shown that using weightlifting shoes can increase the angle of plantar flexion and reduce pelvic tilt, thereby transferring load to the back of the feet.…”

Sports diagnosis motion capture technique

“…In weightlifting process, absolute power is important, but technical rationality is more important, through motion capture system (right in Figure 7) , the force order , size, rhythm information of the athletes can be captured from the squat, grab bars, jerk to the whole process (left in Figure 7) [13][14][15][16][17]. The system consists of data lines, sensors and recorders, computers, etc., athletes are in front of a computer screen, when their weightlifting video is playbacked, the relevant diagrams and pictures let him see his legs clearly parts of the force, the size of explosive moment , whether the bar is maintained to paralle lwith the ground during weight and etc.…”

Weightlifting Movements From Full Extension

“…Increased horizontal barbell displacement will increase the energy demand needed to control the barbell and keep it close to the athlete's center of mass (5,13,15). Improper horizontal displacement may be caused by an overemphasis of hip extension, which may bump the barbell forward.…”