Footwear Affects Conventional and Sumo Deadlift Performance

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence suggests barefoot weightlifting enhances performance.
• Limited scientific research exists to validate these claims.
• Understanding footwear's impact on lifting mechanics is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the conventional deadlift (CD) and sumo deadlift (SD) performance in barefoot versus shod conditions.
• To investigate the effects of footwear on key biomechanical variables during deadlifts.
• To provide empirical data on barefoot weightlifting efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Thirty participants completed one-repetition maximums (1 RM) for CD and SD.
• Subsequent testing involved five repetitions at 70% 1 RM in four conditions: barefoot CD, shod CD, barefoot SD, shod SD.
• A 2x2 MANOVA analyzed peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), total mechanical work (WORK), barbell vertical displacement (DISP), peak vertical velocity (PV), and lift time (TIME).

Main Results:

• The conventional deadlift (CD) showed significantly higher VGRF, DISP, WORK, and TIME compared to the sumo deadlift (SD).
• Wearing shoes (shod condition) resulted in increased WORK, DISP, and TIME compared to barefoot lifting.
• No significant differences in VGRF or PV were observed between barefoot and shod conditions.

Conclusions:

• Barefoot weightlifting does not appear to enhance performance metrics such as VGRF or PV.
• Footwear increases the total mechanical work and displacement required for deadlifts, indicating a greater workload.
• The findings challenge the anecdotal claims of superior performance when lifting barefoot.