Characteristics of a National Level Female Weightlifter Peaking for Competition: A Case Study

Abstract

This study investigated physiological and performance changes of a national level 69kg female weightlifter following three competition phases over a 28-week training period. The athlete first trained for a regional championship (weeks 1-12), followed by a local competition (weeks 13-23) and the national championship (weeks 24-28). Body mass, vastus lateralis cross-sectional area, and unloaded and loaded squat jump performance were assessed weekly during each 4-week competition phase. Serum biomarkers, and dynamic mid-thigh pulls were assessed prior to and after each competition phase. Weightlifting performance goals were met for the regional championship (total=200kg) and the local competition (total=193kg), but not the national championship (total=196kg). She lost more body mass in preparation for nationals (-6.0kg) compared to regionals (-2.5kg) and the local competition (+2.2kg). Vastus lateralis cross-sectional area very likely decreased following nationals (precision=99%, effect size=2.08). Her testosterone:cortisol ratio likely increased (88%, 2.64), while interleukin-6 (79%, 2.47), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (81%, 3.59) likely decreased following nationals. Serum myostatin (99%, 1.95) and decorin (99%, 1.96) very likely decreased following the local competition. Unloaded squat jump height likely increased the week of regionals (89%, 0.95) and the local competition (99%, 1.83), whereas unloaded and loaded squat jump height possibly (69%, 0.99) and likely (82%, 1.52) decreased the week of nationals. Dynamic mid-thigh pull vertical displacement likely increased following regionals (93%, 0.84), and likely decreased following nationals (94%, 0.87). These findings indicate that biomarkers of stress, inflammation, and hypertrophy are related to changes in training volume-load; however, performance measures are needed to assess competition preparedness. Considering the reductions in muscle cross-sectional area corresponding with the large reductions in body mass and underperformance at the national championship, sport scientists and coaches should instruct weightlifters to not attempt large losses in body mass (e.g. >3 kg) close to competition (e.g. <1 week).

Tapering and Peaking Maximal Strength for Powerlifting Performance: A Review

“…However, these large volume reductions (≥70%) may not be warranted when attempting to peak maximal strength to prevent maladaptation and detraining [17,18]. For example, with a national level female weightlifter, a volume reduction of >70% over a 3-week taper resulted in decreased weightlifting competition performance (−2%) and laboratory performance decrements (loaded and unloaded jumps, isometric mid-thigh pull) [46]. Likewise, Pritchard et al [47] showed no change in isometric bench press performance after a volume reduction of >70% over a 7-day taper.…”

“…During the 1-week taper on week 3, volume was reduced by 67% relative to the planned overreach volume, and bench press performance improved by 6%. The aforementioned national level female weightlifter was prescribed a planned overreach week prior to a 3-week taper [46], whereas the strength-trained males tapered from normal training [47]. Therefore, it is possible that a planned overreach followed by a large volume reduction of <70% can aid in rebounding performance during a short taper (7 days).…”

Use of Machine Learning to Model Volume Load Effects on Changes in Jump Performance

“…[1][2][3] For strength and power training, training loads are most commonly quantified by the volume load (VL) of a given workout, whereas the physiological adaptations are commonly assessed with jumping exercises, such as the squat (SJ) or countermovement jumps (CMJ). [3][4][5] Importantly, changes in SJ and CMJ performance appear to be correlated with training loads. 4,5 For example, reductions in training load during a taper occur concurrently with increases in CMJ performance of track-and-field throwers.…”

“…[3][4][5] Importantly, changes in SJ and CMJ performance appear to be correlated with training loads. 4,5 For example, reductions in training load during a taper occur concurrently with increases in CMJ performance of track-and-field throwers. 4 In addition, changes in SJ performance correlate with changes in training loads over the course of a competitive season in men's college soccer players.…”

“…4,5 For example, reductions in training load during a taper occur concurrently with increases in CMJ performance of track-and-field throwers. 4 In addition, changes in SJ performance correlate with changes in training loads over the course of a competitive season in men's college soccer players. 5 Although these studies provide evidence that training loads affect neuromuscular performance, they do not afford detailed insights into how to optimize physiological adaptations based on the relationship between training loads and performance outcomes.…”