Effects of the Barbell Load on the Acceleration Phase during the Snatch in Elite Olympic Weightlifting

Abstract

The load-depended loss of vertical barbell velocity at the end of the acceleration phase limits the maximum weight that can be lifted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze how increased barbell loads affect the vertical barbell velocity in the sub-phases of the acceleration phase during the snatch. It was hypothesized that the load-dependent velocity loss at the end of the acceleration phase is primarily associated with a velocity loss during the 1st pull. For this purpose, 14 male elite weightlifters lifted seven load-stages from 70–100% of their personal best in the snatch. The load–velocity relationship was calculated using linear regression analysis to determine the velocity loss at 1st pull, transition, and 2nd pull. A group mean data contrast analysis revealed the highest load-dependent velocity loss for the 1st pull (t = 1.85, p = 0.044, g = 0.49 [−0.05, 1.04]) which confirmed our study hypothesis. In contrast to the group mean data, the individual athlete showed a unique response to increased loads during the acceleration sub-phases of the snatch. With the proposed method, individualized training recommendations on exercise selection and loading schemes can be derived to specifically improve the sub-phases of the snatch acceleration phase. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of single-subject assessment when working with elite athletes in Olympic weightlifting.

How Do Movement Patterns in Weightlifting (Clean) Change When Using Lighter or Heavier Barbell Loads?—A Comparison of Two Principal Component Analysis-Based Approaches to Studying Technique

“…A similar observation was mentioned by Enoka (1988) , who indicated adaptation of the temporal sequence with increasing load. Results in PV3, also correspond to the findings of Sandau and Granacher (2020) , who reported the highest loss in vertical bar velocity during a snatch was seen in the first pull when increasing loads from 70 to 100% of 1 RM. Finally, considering acceleration patterns, we can compare our results with Kipp and Harris (2015) , who analyzed vertical barbell acceleration patterns and reported that a more steady acceleration pattern of the barbell in the second knee bend and second pull phase leads to higher relative loads in maximal snatch lifts.…”

Field-Based Biomechanical Assessment of the Snatch in Olympic Weightlifting Using Wearable In-Shoe Sensors and Videos—A Preliminary Report

“…Barbell velocity decreases as the weight on the barbell increases, which is known as the load–velocity relationship. The loss in velocity has been attributed mostly to the first pull of the snatch [ 48 , 59 ]. The similar velocities between the sexes could also be due to the athletes reaching the threshold velocity, defined as the minimum amount of vertical velocity required to pull the bar high enough in order to drop down and catch the bar, which can differ for each individual weightlifter.…”

“…The X and Y coordinates and the horizontal displacement of the snatch attempts were extracted. Ground reaction force and the barbell kinematic data were analyzed according to the three acceleration phases of the snatch [ 48 ]. Starting from the moment of separation of the barbell from the floor during the first pull, when the inertia of the barbell has to be overcome, the first pull is a more strength-orientated phase due to the lower barbell velocity [ 16 , 49 ].…”

Predictive Validity of the Snatch Pull Force-Velocity Profile to Determine the Snatch One Repetition-Maximum in Male and Female Elite Weightlifters

“…This study presents some limitations that warrant discussion. First, the computed snatch th is based on the concept of threshold velocity (i.e., v thres ) for a 1RM snatch [ 30 ]. This individual v thres needs to be precisely assessed during 1RM snatch lifts with the same measurement device as used during the snatch pull FvR 2 testing.…”