The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training

James, LP; Comfort, P; Suchomel, TJ; Kelly, VG; Beckman, EM; Haff, GG

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether weightlifting actions are a viable method for improving athletic performance amongst weaker, inexperienced lifters when compared to individuals with a greater power clean result, and hence weightlifting ability and experience. Two groups of males with distinctly different power clean performances (higher performance (HP): N = 8; BM = 78.1±4.0 kg; 1RM PC = 1.08±0.09 kg.BM-1; lower performance (LP): N = 8; BM=82.6±14.0 kg; 1RM PC=0.78±0.1 kg⸱BM-1) and resistance training age (HP: resistance training experience=3.5±1.2 years; LP: resistance training experience=1.44±1.50 years) undertook 10 weeks of training involving weightlifting derivatives, in addition to supplemental ballistic and plyometric exercises. Testing of athletic performance (represented by measures derived from the countermovement jump) occurred at baseline, after five weeks of training, and after ten weeks of training. Both groups significantly improved across the majority of outcome variables following training (Hedges g=0.98–2.55, P≤0.01-0.05). Only the HP participants experienced significant changes at mid-test (g = 0.99–1.27, P ≤ 0.01-0.05), while no significant changes were revealed between mid- and post-test in this group. In contrast to this, the LP participants displayed a significant improvement in relative impulse (g=1.39, P<0.01) and rate of force development (g=1.91, P<0.01) during this final period (P<0.01). As weaker, inexperienced lifters underwent a significant and meaningful enhancement in maximal neuromuscular measures following weightlifting derivative focused training, practitioners should consider early implementation of such exercises. However, it is important for coaches to note that a delayed training effect might be present in weaker, less experienced lifters.

Citation

James, L., Comfort, P., Suchomel, T., Kelly, V., Beckman, E., & Haff, G. (2019). The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(11), 2936-2944. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002534

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 14, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 14, 2018
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Mar 29, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 14, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
• Print ISSN: 1064-8011
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 2936-2944
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002534
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002534
• Related Public URLs: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/pages/default.aspx