Changes in Bar Path Kinematics and Kinetics Through Use of Summary Feedback in Power Snatch Training

Abstract

This study investigated kinematic and kinetic variable changes in the power snatch (PS) after 4 weeks of training and the use of summary feedback. Twenty-four collegiate football players participated as subjects in this study. The subjects were pretested for their 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and were separated into feedback (FG; n = 12) and control (CG; n = 12) groups. The FG was provided with augmented feedback (AF) during power snatch training sessions, which took place 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The AF is defined as information that is received in addition to what is naturally available. Variables measured include peak force (PF), peak power (PP), and several kinematic variables at 50, 70, and 90% of the subjects' pre-1RM. The PF was improved at 50% 1RM from 567 +/- 202 to 769 +/- 230 N, at 70% from 725 +/- 186 to 890 +/- 199 N, and at 90% from 822 +/- 197 to 1008 +/- 201 N in the FG (p <or= 0.05). The PP was increased at 50% 1RM from 2061 +/- 562 to 2538 +/- 498 W, at 70% from 2321 +/- 743 to 2754 +/- 629 W, and at 90% from 2076 +/- 437 to 2491 +/- 526 W in the FG (p <or= 0.05). Variables with respect to bar path kinematics improved significantly. No improvements in kinetics or kinematics were noted in the CG. These results indicate that both kinematic and kinetic variables improve through training and AF. Practitioners wishing to improve weightlifting performance should attempt to use evidence-based AF.