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Effects of priming with light vs. heavy loads on weightlifting performance (Master thesis)

Σταυρόπουλος, Θεόδωρος/ Stavropoulos, Theodoros/ Φυσιολογία της Άσκησης και Προπονητική

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of snatch pull and clean pull exercises at 80% and 110% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) of the snatch and clean 24 hours later in weightlifting athletes. Methodology: A total of 12 weightlifting athletes (7 men & 5 women) participated in the study. Initially, an evaluation of the 1RM in the snatch and clean & jerk was conducted to determine the loads for the subsequent measurements. One week later, in a randomized order, the participants performed three different priming interventions 24 hours before the 1RM evaluation of the snatch and clean & jerk: a) Control (C - no priming), b) Priming with low loads (G80%), c) Priming with high loads (G110%). After 24 hours, the 1RM in the snatch and clean & jerk was evaluated. Performance, subjective perception of fatigue (RPE 6-20), and the mean and peak bar velocity were measured. All 1RM measurements were performed one week apart. On the final day, body measurements and body composition analysis were conducted, along with an assessment of vertical jump with countermovement and an isometric barbell pull from the thighs (rate of force development - RFD). Results: Priming at G110% resulted in a higher RPE compared to G80% (p=0.002). However, performance in the clean & jerk significantly increased in G110% compared to C (3.1±2.3%, p=0.008). Similarly, total performance showed an increasing trend in G110% compared to C (2.2±2.5%, p=0.077). No differences were found in the snatch, mean, or peak bar velocity between the three conditions (p>0.05). Significant correlations were found between performance and lean mass (r=0.946-0.953), vertical jump (r=0.798-0.771), and RFD250msec (r=0.839-0.755). Conclusions: Pre-activation using snatch and clean pull exercises at 110% of the 1RM in the snatch and clean, 24 hours before the 1RM evaluation, increases performance in the clean & jerk and possibly in total performance. Lastly, lean mass, vertical jump, and RFD are valid predictors of performance in weightlifting.