Three-Dimensional Kinematic Analysis of the Snatch Technique for Lifting Different Barbell Weights

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of increased barbell loads on barbell and body kinematics of the snatch lifts at 60, 80, and 100% of 1 repetition maximum and to evaluate the biomechanics of snatch technique. The study was performed on 7 elite male weightlifters of the Turkish national team. Four cameras operating at 50 fields per second were used to record the lifts. For 3D kinematic analysis of center of gravity (CG) and barbell movement, the points on the body and the barbell were digitized by using an Ariel Performance Analysis System. There were significant differences between the vertical work values (p < 0.05). The power values of the 3 snatch lifts were also found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Another significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between maximum vertical displacement of the barbell, maximum vertical velocity of the barbell, maximum vertical displacement of CG, the vertical velocity of CG during the turnover under the barbell. The results demonstrated that vertical and horizontal kinematics of the barbell and body decreased at the pull phase of the snatch technique as the barbell load increased. The power output during the second pull increased although the work done did not change, whereas work and power output increased during the first pull phase depending on the increase in the barbell weight. The finding of this study suggested that weightlifters had to perform the turnover under the barbell and the catch phase faster, because when the barbell weight was increased at snatch lift, vertical kinematics of the barbell decreased.

Biomechanical Analysis of Successful and Unsuccessful Snatch Lifts in Elite Female Weightlifters

“…The data from this study indicate that the maximum height of the barbell in female weightlifters in this study was lower than those reported in previous research (Gourgoulis et al, 2009; Harbili, 2012; Hoover et al, 2006; Shalmanov et al, 2015). The height loss from the maximum height of the barbell until the squat position was similar to the drop displacement recorded for men lifters (Hadi et al, 2012; Harbili, 2012; Shalmanov et al, 2015), but less than that of females (Hadi et al, 2012; Harbili, 2012; Hoover et al, 2006). Lifting the barbell effectively requires minimizing two factors: 1) the maximum height of the barbell at the end of the turnover; 2) the loss of height during the drop under the barbell to the catch position (Garhammer, 1985; Gourgoulis et al, 2002; Isaka et al, 1996).…”

“…The most significant indication of this change is the vertical velocity of the CG during the turnover under the barbell. When kinematic characteristics of the above mentioned system were investigated, it was observed that the full extension of the body was realized at the end of the second pull (Hadi et al, 2012). When comparing the angle locations in the joints of the athletes, it can be observed that at the end of the second pull (T- position) in successful lifts the angle values were close to the full extension.…”

Examination of a lumbar spine biomechanical model for assessing axial compression, shear, and bending moment using selected Olympic lifts

“…28 As was the case with the deadlift and power clean, variations in kinematics were also seen with different loading patterns during the snatch 29 and for younger, compared to older, competitors. 26 Of special interest to the present study was the use of a three-dimensional finite element model by Bao and Meng 30 to assess the stresses on the vertebral body, facet joint, pedicle of the vertebral arch and intervertebral disc at L 1 eL 2 during performance of the snatch.…”

Validity and reliability of a 3-axis accelerometer for measuring weightlifting movements

“…On the other hand, data obtained in the pull phase offers an important tool to develop weightlifting training and test process. 2,29,30 Finally, it should be mentioned the necessity to protect the device against the external shocks of this type of exercises. 7 The users must be aware of the importance to keep safe the system with some kind of foam that prevents tool damage and misrepresentation of the data.…”