Comparative 3-dimensional kinematic analysis of snatch technique between top-elite and sub-elite male weightlifters in 69-kg category

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the differences in technical characteristics between top-elite and sub-elite male weightlifters performing the snatch style in the 69-kg category. The obtained results can provide valuable information for lower level lifters and coaches to achieve better competition performance by altering their training methods accordingly.MethodsSix top-elite and six sub-elite weightlifters participated in this study. The heaviest successful snatch lift from the three attempts of each subject was analyzed. The video data were recorded under competition conditions at China National Weightlifting Championship and China Olympic Trial, which were analyzed by SIMI°Motion7.50 3D analysis system.ResultsThe results showed that the maximum vertical- and relative vertical height (normalized by athletes' height) of the barbell, the maximal vertical linear velocity and acceleration of the barbell were significantly greater in top-elite lifters (p < 0.05). In addition, the flexion angles of the knee joint were significantly greater in top-elite lifters during the first phase and the third phase of the snatch lift. Sub-elite lifters showed less flexion and significantly slower angular velocity in knee joint than top-elite lifters during the second phase of the snatch lift (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of the present study demonstrated the differences in technical characteristics between the two levels. According to these findings, coaches of sub-elite lifters should focus on exercises suitable to the strength characteristics of the first and the third phase of the snatch lift. In addition, the flexor muscles of knee joint among the sub-elite lifters should be strengthened and the ability of generating and utilizing elastic energy during the second phase of the snatch lift should be improved.

Survey of Barbell Trajectory and Kinematics of the Snatch Lift from the 2015 World and 2017 Pan-American Weightlifting Championships

“…The observed main effect of competition for Y max among the top-three women in this study could be due to differences in stature [2,6,10,32], skill [7,8], or load lifted [32]. However, the lack of accompanying statistical or clear effect size differences for Y drop , which has also been suggested to depend on skill [7,8], and observations of weightlifters who lifted heavier loads to greater absolute and relative vertical displacements compared to lower caliber athletes in the same weight category [8] suggest stature to be a more likely explanation of Y max differences observed in this study. Top-three men at WWC, who lifted the heaviest loads of any group in this study, exhibited greater X 2 and less X net and X loop than top-three men at PAWC.…”

“…These effects could be compounded by a potential subsequent increase in X loop , which is likely to be less during successful attempts [17]. Greater X 2 among individuals of greater weightlifting ability may be consequent to the larger forces and accelerations associated with lifting heavier loads [3,6,8,14,36]. As such, it is not recommended that individuals attempt to deliberately increase X 2 such as by 'hipping' or swinging the bar away during the second pull [17,37].…”

“…For example, differences in the relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types among lifters in A versus B sessions during international competitions have been observed [4,6]. Several authors have also reported differences in lifter and barbell kinematics and kinetics based on skill level [6][7][8]. Other investigations of competitive performances provide evidence that weightlifting technique may also be influenced by other factors such as anthropometry, weight category, and sex [4,6,[9][10][11][12].…”

“…Technique differences may also be suggestive of a need for different training objectives or emphases to address deficiencies that may influence weightlifting success or sport performance. For example, some authors have suggested that the ability to execute a stretch-shortening cycle during the transition phase may be improved by increasing knee flexor concentric strength [6,8] and knee extensor eccentric strength [9,11,13]. Additionally, coaches may employ physical training to increase an athlete's speed of moving under the barbell after completing the second pull [7].…”

Effects of Multimodal Intervention Program Among Elite Weightlifters with Knee Pain

“…An Olympic snatch lifting activity involves three phases of lifting namely snatch, clean and jerk (15). The QOPL was evaluated by measuring pain during these three different phases of the snatch lift (15). The knowledge on knee care was measured using a KSC pro forma.…”