Kinetic and kinematic patterns during high intensity clean movement: searching for optimal load

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Optimizing training loads is critical for enhancing athletic performance in weightlifting.
• Understanding the relationship between external load and biomechanical outcomes is essential for developing effective training programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of varying training loads on kinematic and kinetic variables during the clean movement in elite weightlifters.
• To identify an optimal training load that maximizes power production and technical efficiency for the clean exercise.

Main Methods:

• Nine elite weightlifters performed the clean exercise at 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) in a randomized order.
• Kinematic data (displacement, velocity, acceleration) and kinetic data (force, power, rate of force development) were collected using a 3D motion capture system and force platform.
• Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences across the tested loads.

Main Results:

• Significant load effects were observed for most kinematic and kinetic parameters (p < 0.01).
• Peak power and peak bar velocity were highest at 85% and 90% 1RM (p < 0.001).
• Greater average power, work, and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) were observed at 90%, 95%, and 100% 1RM compared to 85% 1RM (p < 0.05).
• Peak vGRF and peak rate of force development (RFD) were not significantly affected by load (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• A training load of 90% 1RM appears most advantageous for elite weightlifters aiming to enhance explosive force and power output during the clean.
• This load facilitates maximal power production while preserving technical execution, suggesting its utility for targeted training.