Anthropometry and barbell trajectory in the snatch lift for elite women weightlifters

The primary objective of this study was to examine relationships between anthropometry and horizontal barbell displacement during the pulling phase of the snatch lift (SN) in elite women weightlifters. Secondary objectives included description of anthropometric and displacement characteristics, and examinations of SN performance and competitive experience. Thirty-six women weightlifters competing at the 2009 Pan American Championships participated. Participants were measured for standing height, upper limb, trunk, thigh, and shank lengths, and completed a questionnaire about competition and training experience. Horizontal displacement from lift-off to first pull maximum (Dx1) and from first pull to second pull maximum (Dx2) was determined from the heaviest successful SN using 2-dimensional video analysis. Significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) existed between thigh and lower-limb lengths and Dx2 in 53 kg participants; lower-limb length and Dx1 in 75 kg participants; and horizontal displacement and body segment ratios involving the upper and lower extremity in multiple weight classes. Correlations between anthropometry and Dx1 also reached significance with participants grouped by barbell trajectory type. Except for the trunk and thigh, body segment lengths were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) between weight classes. Significantly different body proportions existed in 48 kg participants compared with all other classes. Multiple thigh and trunk variables were significantly correlated with performance. Horizontal displacement values were similar to previous reports in the literature. Few significant relationships existed between displacement and performance, and none were found for competitive experience. Understanding relationships between anthropometry and barbell trajectory may be useful for optimizing SN technique.