Force-Time Characteristics in Collegiate Weightlifters Using Two Isometric Pull Protocols

Abstract

The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) is commonly used to measure isometric strength of characteristics of weightlifters. The isometric pull from the start position (IPSP) has not been studied as much as the IMTP but may potentially be a viable option for a weightlifting monitoring program. This study aims to compare isometric force-time characteristics from both the IMTP and IPSP to weightlifting competition performance. Collegiate weightlifters’ performances were compared to isometric peak force (IPF), rate of force development (RFD), and allometrically scaled peak force (IPFa) of both isometric testing protocols by a Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. Strong correlations between weightlifting performance and force-time characteristics for both protocols were found with IPSP having slightly higher correlations. This suggests that both isometric testing protocols are viable tools for predicting weightlifting performance. It may be useful to include both protocols in a weightlifting monitoring program.