Magnitude and Relative Distribution of Kettlebell Snatch Force-Time Characteristics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare mechanical output from kettlebell snatch and 2-handed kettlebell swing exercise. Twenty-two men performed 3 sets of 8 kettlebell snatch and 2-handed swing exercise with a 24 kg kettlebell on a force platform. Vertical and horizontal net impulse, mean force, displacement, the magnitude and rate of work vertical CM displacement was significantly larger than horizontal CM displacement, regardless of exercise (20±3 vs. 7±1 cm, p<0.0001); 2) the magnitude (253±73 vs. 3±1 J, p<0.0001) and rate of work (714±288 vs. 11±4 W, p<0.0001) performed to vertically displace the CM was larger than the horizontal equivalent in both exercises, and the magnitude (5±2 vs. 1±1 J, p<0.0001) and rate of work (18±7 vs. 4±3 W, p<0.0001) performed to horizontally displace the CM during 2-handed swing exercise was significantly larger than the kettlebell snatch equivalent; 3) this was underpinned by the magnitude of horizontal impulse (29±7 vs. 18±7 N.s, p<0.0001) and the impulse ratio (23 vs. 14%, p<0.0001). These findings reveal that, apart from the greater emphasis 2-handed swing exercise places on horizontal mechanical output, the mechanical output of the two exercises is similar. Research shows that 2-handed swing exercise improves maximum and explosive strength. These results suggest that strength and conditioning coaches should consider using kettlebell snatch and 2-handed swing exercise interchangeably for the ballistic component of athlete strength and conditioning programs.

Mechanical Misconceptions: Have we lost the "mechanics" in "sports biomechanics"?

“…However, this is not always how power is used or computed in the literature. Specifically, sports biomechanists often split power into its 'components', as though it were a vector quantity; for example, reporting 'vertical' or 'horizontal' power (e.g., [47,48,49,50]). In a strict mechanical sense, these quantities are not real powers.…”

External kinetics of the kettlebell snatch in amateur lifters

“…To date, the barbell snatch has received much attention and reviews of the literature have demonstrated it to be an effective exercise for strength and power development (Escamilla, Lander & Garhammer, 2000; Garhammer, 1993). In contrast, the kettlebell snatch has only just started to receive research attention (Falatic et al, 2015; Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014; McGill & Marshall, 2012; Ross et al, 2015). …”

“…The only study to date recorded the bilateral ground reaction force (GRF) of the kettlebell swing and snatch (Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014). The kettlebell snatch and two-handed swing were analysed over three sets of eight repetitions performed with the intention of achieving the maximum velocity possible, with horizontal and vertical work, impulse, mean force and power of the kettlebell snatch and swing calculated (Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014). Both exercises had greater vertical impulse, work and mean force power than the horizontal equivalent regardless of phase (Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014).…”

“…The kettlebell snatch and two-handed swing were analysed over three sets of eight repetitions performed with the intention of achieving the maximum velocity possible, with horizontal and vertical work, impulse, mean force and power of the kettlebell snatch and swing calculated (Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014). Both exercises had greater vertical impulse, work and mean force power than the horizontal equivalent regardless of phase (Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014). The vertical component of the kettlebell snatch and two-handed swing were comparable, whilst the two-handed swing had a larger amount of work and rate of work performed in the horizontal plane (Lake, Hetzler & Lauder, 2014).…”

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“…56 2014), The kettlebell snatch and two handed swing were analysed over three sets of eight 57 maximum repetitions, with horizontal and vertical work, impulse, mean force and power of the 58 kettlebell snatch and swing calculated (Lake et al 2014). Both exercises had greater vertical 59 impulse, work, and mean force power than the horizontal equivalent regardless of phase (Lake et 60 al.…”