SPECIFIC MOVEMENT POWER RELATED TO ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN WEIGHT-LIFTING

In order to evaluate how mechanical power relates to athletic performa nce in weight lifting, specific movement power (SMP) was investigated using a newly developed dynamometer. Four simulated pull movements in weight lifting were measured: weight lifting pull (WL), second pull, b ack strength pull, and shoulder shrug pull. Subjects included 12 elite (EL) and 14 district (DI) level Japanese weight lifters. Athletic per formance was defined as the highest total combined weight (snatch plus clean and jerk) lifted during competition. The highest SMP was observ ed in the WL. Force, velocity, and power relations were derived from t he WL, showing higher velocity and power values in EL than DI at an id entical force level. SMP in WL was found to be significantly correlate d to athletic performance. SMP measured as a simulated pull movement i n weight lifting employing the present dynamometer appears useful in e valuating athletic performance. Furthermore, this dynamometer provides force-velocity relationships during multiarticular explosive movement s.