The planning, monitoring and training of elite weightlifting

The journey of Olympic success can be attributed to the appropriate planning and monitoring of key information which can help inform the training process. Weightlifting has been studied over multiple decades, with the most prominent research coming from the Soviet Union in the 1980’s. Since then, research on weightlifting has often been conducted within silo’s relating to technique or physical surrogates. However, no research has been conducted with an attempt to understand the weights required to achieve international success and how physical attributes can change over time in conjunction with technical ability. Therefore, the primary aims of this thesis were to (i) develop a series of models to predict key performance zones for major international events, (ii) review the literature around methods of analysing and defining technique, (iii) explore the validity and reliability of a commercially available inertial sensor for measuring barbell mechanics, (iiii) evaluate alternative kinetic surrogate measures, and (iv) describe how the aforementioned has been used longitudinally in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In study 1, the primary objective was to develop a set of predictive models to predict performance total (Ptot) for newly announced weight categories across five performance zones, rangin; 1st-3rd, 4-5th, 6-8th, 9-10th and 11-15th, for 3 major weightlifting competitions. On average, predicted Ptot displayed a difference from actual Ptot of 3.65±2.51% (12.46±9.16 kg), 0.78±3.29% (2.26±10.08 kg) and -1.13±3.46% (-4.32±11.10 kg) for the Olympics and World and European Championships, respectively. The results suggest that the predictive models may be a good indicator of future performances, however, the models may have greater efficacy in some weight categories and performance zones than others.

In study 2, a Scoping review was conducted using Medline, Web of Science, and PubMed in helping to identify themes in the analysis and definition of competitive weightlifting. A total of 47 articles were included for analysis. Two general themes were identified with biomechanical information being captured within competition or within laboratory environments. A large proportion of data capture utilised single or multi-camera systems utilising custom scripts of software. The most common method of phase identification used change in knee joint angle and barbell displacement, often when using multi-camera systems. The number of phases identified ranged from 2 to 6, with 5 and 6 being reported most frequently, with the difference often being the rise from the catch position. The varying methods of capture and phase identification can impact the kinetic and kinematic outputs that are often reported within the research. More research is needed to identify valid, accessible, and discreet methods of monitoring weightlifting.

Study 3 aimed to fulfil the additional research identified from the scoping review (study 2), focusing on weightlifting technique. This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Enode, a commercial Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for measuring barbell kinematics and kinetics during the snatch. The Enode demonstrated good validity for most variables, particularly in measuring peak velocity. However, it tended to overestimate horizontal displacement, showing fixed or proportional bias. The within-session and between-session reliability of the Enode were generally good to excellent for variables such as velocity and vertical displacement. Horizontal displacement measures displayed large variability. Practical applications suggest that the Enode is a valid and reliable tool for monitoring weightlifting technique, particularly for assessing vertical velocity and vertical displacement. However, caution is advised when interpreting horizontal displacement data.

In study 4, the kinetics of the countermovement jump was assessed to identify which kinetic measures best associated with weightlifting performance. From a total of 15 metrics, 13 were deemed reliable, with propulsive impulse showing the greatest level of reliability. Correlational analysis showed strong to very strong (r = 0.676 – 0.817) relationships between all absolute measures of weightlifting performance and propulsive impulse for both women and men. This novel finding suggests that practitioners may wish to monitor propulsive impulse as it may provide more insight into changes of force capabilities following training.

Study 5 aimed to take the learnings from the previous studies and apply it to the longitudinal planning, monitoring, and training of an elite weightlifter in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The key findings showed performance increases in 2019, with concurrent improvements in force capacity and expression measured in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and countermovement jump (CMJ). The COVID-19 disruption led to decreased training intensity and varied volume application, resulting in reduced performance and consistent monitoring. Post-Covid, training intensity increased significantly, particularly during the taper in preparation for Tokyo. Positive increases in peak barbell velocity occurred during the end of the taper suggesting a potential increase in preparedness. Predicted competition performance differed by 5.89%, but the top 10 target was achieved.

Overall, the thesis integrates these studies to provide a cohesive understanding of elite weightlifting performance, offering practical insights for coaches, scientists, and practitioners in the field. It underscores the importance of considering technical, biomechanical, neuromuscular, and contextual factors in elite performance preparation and monitoring.