Distribution of lower extremity work during clean variations performed with different effort

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate how lower extremity work was distributed during the pull of cleans performed lifting the barbell to the minimum height required to receive it in a full squat (minimal height clean); or with maximum effort to elevate the barbell as high as possible and receiving it in either a full (maximal effort clean) or partial (power clean) squat. Eight weightlifters screened for proficient technique performed these clean variations at 80% of one repetition maximum. Work performed on the barbell and by the lower extremity net joint moments (NJM) was computed from marker trajectories and ground reaction forces. Total barbell work, lower extremity NJM work, knee extensor work, and knee joint excursion during the second pull was lower in the minimal height clean than the maximal effort and power cleans (P < 0.05). This research demonstrates that more knee extensor work is performed in the second pull of maximal effort and power cleans compared to the minimal height clean. The larger knee extensor work performed is due to larger knee joint excursion during the second pull of the maximal effort and power cleans, but not larger knee extensor NJM.

Training With Weightlifting Derivatives: The Effects of Force and Velocity Overload Stimuli

“…Results from a recent study demonstrated that maximal effort PCs result in greater lower extremity work compared to minimal height PCs (13). Due to the exclusion of the catch phase, the PULL and OL groups may have been able to emphasize the second pull phase of each derivative.…”

“…A potential issue that arises with heavier loads during weightlifting catching derivatives is that the athlete may not achieve full hip and knee extension in preparation to drop under and catch the barbell (27,40,47). Recent literature indicated that maximum effort PCs may increase lower extremity work, knee extensor work, and knee joint excursion compared to a minimal height PC (13). The previous authors noted that maximal effort during the second pull (i.e.…”