The Relationship of Lower-Body, Multijoint, Isometric and Dynamic Neuromuscular Assessment Variables With Snatch, and Clean and Jerk Performance in Competitive Weightlifters: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to synthesize the literature and provide a robust estimate of the correlations between lower-body, multijoint, isometric and dynamic neuromuscular assessment variables and snatch (SN) and clean and jerk (C&J) performance in competitive weightlifters. A comprehensive search through 3 electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) returned 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed on Pearson's correlations between SN and C&J performance and 15 variables from 5 neuromuscular assessments—countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), back squat (BS), and front squat (FS) one repetition maximum (1RM). The FS and BS 1RM exhibited nearly perfect correlations (r = 0.93 to 0.94), whereas the IMTP peak force exhibited very large correlations (r = 0.83 to 0.85). The IMTP force at 250 ms exhibited very large correlations (r = 0.77 to 0.78), and the CMJ and SJ peak power exhibited very large to nearly perfect correlations (r = 0.88 to 0.92). These findings illustrate the importance of lower-body maximal and time-limited force-producing capabilities in weightlifters. Moreover, each assessment offers at least one variable that exhibits a correlation of >0.70. Therefore, these assessments may be used to gauge weightlifting performance potential.

Reactive Strength Index, Rate of Torque Development, and Performance in Well-Trained Weightlifters: A Pilot Study

“…Previous studies have shown that performance in the CMJ and the SJ were significantly correlated with weightlifting performance in both male and female weightlifters [6][7][8][9][10][11]13]. Additionally, a recent meta-analysis showed that performance in the CMJ and the SJ are the best predictors for weightlifting performance [14]. These strong correlations are derived from the biomechanical similarities, and mainly of the lower body triple extension (hip, knee, and ankle extensors), which may be observed in both weightlifting movements and vertical jumping attempts [8,19].…”

“…Interestingly, lower correlations were found between the RSI and the clean and jerk, which might be attributed to the presence of the jerk in the movement pattern, masking perhaps a stronger correlation outcome. Although the 1-RM strength in the back squat and the front squat or/and in the power snatch and the power clean may be better predictors for competitive performance [14], coaches may consider using a simple, easily executed and practical field test, like the DJ, which provides an index of explosiveness (RSI, RSR) and is also a good predictor of weightlifting performance. However, these results should be viewed with caution since, according to the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the correlation between the RSI and the RSR with weightlifting performance.…”

“…Indeed, a significant correlation was observed between weightlifting performance and CMJ variables [6][7][8][9][10][11], whereas deep CMJ and SJ may also be valid predictors of weightlifting performance [8,12,13]. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis revealed that CMJ and SJ power production had a significant correlation magnitude to weightlifting performance, reaching nearly perfect values (r = 0.92) [14]. Although the link between CMJ and SJ with weightlifting performance has been extensively researched, the correlation between drop jump (DJ) capability and weightlifting performance remains largely unexplored.…”

“…Significant correlations have been found between weightlifting performance with RFD measured through mid-thigh pull [9,13,21] and isometric leg press [7,10,11]. In addition, a recent meta-analysis showed that the RFD calculated from mid-thigh pulls may have a significant correlation magnitude to weightlifting performance, reaching large values (r ranging from 0.51 to 0.60) [14]. Although these tests are multi-joint and sports-specific, several laboratories are equipped with isokinetic machines that can measure angular velocities in single-joint movements with high accuracy [23].…”