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Velocity- and Power-Oriented Force-Velocity Characteristics Differentiate Competitive Olympic-Style Weightlifting
Athanasios Tsoukos1, Theodoros Iakovidis1, Sofia Georgopoulou1
1School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 172 37 Athens, Greece.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|April 24, 2026
Summary
Maximal strength and force-velocity characteristics like peak power (Pmax) and peak velocity (V0) are key predictors of weightlifting performance. Force-velocity profile parameter F0 showed no significant association with competitive outcomes in trained weightlifters.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Strength and Conditioning
Background:
- Understanding the biomechanical determinants of weightlifting performance is crucial for optimizing training.
- Previous research has explored strength and power but less is known about the force-velocity profile's specific contribution.
- This study investigates the relationship between dynamic strength, force-velocity characteristics, and competitive weightlifting success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between maximal strength (front squat, clean), lower-limb vertical force-velocity (F-V) profile characteristics, and weightlifting performance.
- To determine if specific F-V parameters (F0, V0, Pmax) correlate with competitive outcomes (snatch, clean & jerk, total, Sinclair score).
- To compare F-V characteristics between higher and moderate jump performers within a cohort of trained weightlifters.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen competitive male weightlifters underwent testing sessions for 1-RM front squat and clean.
- Vertical countermovement jump trials were used to determine individual force-velocity profile parameters (F0, V0, Pmax).
- Official competition results (snatch, clean & jerk, total, Sinclair score) were recorded; participants were grouped by jump performance.
Main Results:
- 1-RM strength (especially the clean) showed very strong correlations with weightlifting performance metrics.
- Peak velocity (V0) and peak power (Pmax) were significantly associated with competitive outcomes (r=0.63-0.70), while F0 was not.
- Higher jump performers exhibited significantly greater V0, Pmax, and superior competitive results compared to moderate jumpers.
Conclusions:
- Maximal strength is a primary driver of weightlifting performance in trained athletes.
- Velocity- and power-oriented force-velocity characteristics (V0, Pmax) are also significantly associated with competitive success.
- The ability to express force at higher contraction velocities may differentiate performance levels among strength-trained weightlifters.
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