Optimal load and power spectrum during snatch and clean: differences between international and national weightlifters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal load (Pmax load) and optimal power spectrum (OPS) to achieve maximum power output (Pmax) during the snatch and clean with international weightlifters (IW) and national competitive weightlifters (NW). Twenty-two male weightlifters participated in two testing sessions. The first session involved performing one-repetition maximums (1RM) in the snatch and clean and second session assessed a power test across a spectrum of loads (30–90%) of each subject’s 1RM in the predetermined exercises tested. Relative load had a significant effect on peak power, with Pmax load being obtained with 90% of 1RM for snatch and clean in the IW and 70 and 90% of 1RM for snatch and clean, respectively, in the NW. OPS was located between 80 and 90% for snatch and no OPS was found for the clean exercise in IW. In the NW, OPS was located between 70% up to 90% and 50% up to 90% in the snatch and clean, respectively. It may be advantageous to know the Pmax load and OPS in the snatch and clean when training to maximise power of weightlifters of different sport performance.

Keywords:

• Weightlifting
• power
• Pmax load
• snatch
• clean