Comparison of Joint Work During Load Absorption Between Weightlifting Derivatives

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Understanding joint-level load absorption is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and injury prevention.
• Weightlifting derivatives like the hang power clean (HPC) and jump shrug (JS) are utilized for developing explosive power and strength.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the lower-extremity joint-level load absorption characteristics between the HPC and JS.
• To analyze joint work and duration at the hip, knee, and ankle during these exercises across various intensities.

Main Methods:

• Eleven Division I male lacrosse players performed HPC and JS at 30%, 50%, and 70% of their 1RM HPC.
• 3D motion capture and force plates were used to quantify joint work and loading duration.
• Statistical analysis included 3-way repeated-measures mixed ANOVAs and Cohen's d effect sizes.

Main Results:

• The JS demonstrated significantly greater load absorption joint work at the hip, knee, and ankle compared to the HPC across all tested loads.
• Loading duration was also significantly longer for the JS at all three joints compared to the HPC.
• These differences were consistently observed regardless of the percentage of 1RM HPC used.

Conclusions:

• The JS elicits greater hip, knee, and ankle joint work and a longer loading duration during the absorption phase compared to the HPC.
• Both HPC and JS have distinct load absorption profiles, suggesting they should be incorporated strategically based on specific training phase goals.