The Reliability, Bias, Differences, and Agreement Between Velocity Measurement Devices During the Hang Clean Pull

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Velocity-based training is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
• Accurate measurement of barbell velocity is essential for effective training.
• Comparing different velocity measurement devices is necessary to understand their validity and reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability, bias, differences, and agreement between the GymAware PowerTool (GA) and Tendo Power Analyzer (TENDO).
• To evaluate these devices during the hang clean pull (HCP) exercise across various loading conditions.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen resistance-trained men performed HCPs at 20-140% of their 1RM HPC.
• The GA and TENDO devices were attached to the barbell for data collection.
• Least-products regression and Hedge's g effect sizes were used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• The GA demonstrated excellent reliability for all measurements.
• TENDO showed excellent reliability for mean barbell velocity (MBV) but moderate-good reliability for peak barbell velocity (PBV) at higher loads.
• TENDO exhibited proportional bias for MBV and PBV, and fixed bias for PBV at 140% 1RM compared to GA, though differences were not practically meaningful.

Conclusions:

• Both GA and TENDO are reliable for measuring MBV and PBV during HCP.
• Practitioners should be aware that TENDO may slightly overestimate velocity (3.7-6.8% for MBV, 1.8-2.9% for PBV).
• These devices provide accurate velocity data for strength and conditioning professionals.