Long-Term Monitoring of Training Load, Force-Velocity Profile, and Performance in Elite Weightlifters: A Case Series With Two Male Olympic Athletes

Abstract

Sandau, I and Granacher, U. Long-term monitoring of training load, force-velocity profile, and performance in elite weightlifters: a case series with two male Olympic athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3446-3455, 2022-The aim of this case series approach was to analyze weekly changes in force-velocity relationship (FvR) parameters (v ̅ 0 , F ̅ 0 , P ̅ max ) and theoretical snatch performance (snatch th ) assessed through a specific snatch pull test in preparation of the European and World Championships in 2 male elite weightlifters. A second aim was to examine associations of training load (volume, volume load, average load), barbell FvRparameters, and snatch th over a period of 2 macrocycles in preparation of the same competitions. FvR-parameters, snatch th , training load data, and body mass were assessed weekly over 40 weeks. Using the smallest real difference approach, significant (p # 0.05) decreases in v ̅ 0 and increases in F ̅ 0 , P ̅ max , and snatch th were found within macrocycles. However, the large significant loss in body mass (11%) in athlete 1 during macrocycle 2 represents most likely a main factor for diminished P ̅ max , and snatch th in macrocycle 2. Based on cross-correlation analyses, barbell FvR-parameters and snatch th were significantly (p # 0.05) associated with maximal strength, muscle power, and speed training load variables. Moderate correlations (0.31-0.47) were found between training load and P ̅ max and snatch th in athlete 2. It can be concluded that the applied training loads elicits improvements in P ̅ max and snatch th because the athlete approached the main competitions. However, because of the large loss in body mass, the relations between training load and barbell FvR-parameters and snatch th were less clear in athlete 1. It seems that a loss in body mass as a result of a change in bodyweight category mitigates P ̅ max development during the macrocycle and hindered to reach peak snatch th at the main competitions.

Optimal barbell force-velocity profiles can contribute to maximize weightlifting performance

“…In agreement with results from vertical jumping [4], for individual time-series data P max has been shown to be highly-but not perfectly (i.e., cross-correlation coefficients range from 0.86-0.88)-associated with the theoretical snatch performance (snatch th ) in elite weightlifters [17]. Due to the imperfect correlation of snatch th and P max , the specific FvR profile was assumed to be another determinant of weightlifting performance [17] as it has been previously presented for the vertical jump [4]. Accordingly, a given P max level in combination with an optimal FvR profile may maximize snatch performance.…”

“…As mentioned above, maximal ballistic performance is achieve, when the actual external power-output during a movement equals P max . For the individual weightlifter, the actual vertical power output during snatch th is highly associated with the absolute load of snatch th [17]. Since power is the product of force and velocity, using Eq (2), the actual vertical power output during snatch th (P snatch th in W) can be calculated as:…”

“…For the applied simulations, no new experimental data were collected. Instead, we used data from previous (published) studies of our research group [16,17,22]. In total, these experiments were conducted with 10 elite male and 3 elite female weightlifters, modeling the barbell FvR profile and snatch th using the aforementioned snatch pull test.…”

“…Hence, higher force levels can be achieved to overcome gravitational forces which results in better weightlifting performance. As recently presented, weightlifting is a good example to use FvR-parameters (i.e., F 0 , v 0 , P max ) to monitor progression during training and to predict weightlifting performance [16,17]. In agreement with results from vertical jumping [4], for individual time-series data P max has been shown to be highly-but not perfectly (i.e., cross-correlation coefficients range from 0.86-0.88)-associated with the theoretical snatch performance (snatch th ) in elite weightlifters [17].…”

“…As recently presented, weightlifting is a good example to use FvR-parameters (i.e., F 0 , v 0 , P max ) to monitor progression during training and to predict weightlifting performance [16,17]. In agreement with results from vertical jumping [4], for individual time-series data P max has been shown to be highly-but not perfectly (i.e., cross-correlation coefficients range from 0.86-0.88)-associated with the theoretical snatch performance (snatch th ) in elite weightlifters [17]. Due to the imperfect correlation of snatch th and P max , the specific FvR profile was assumed to be another determinant of weightlifting performance [17] as it has been previously presented for the vertical jump [4].…”