Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical differences between two set up variations during the isometric initiation of conventional barbell deadlifts (DL): Close-bar DL (CBDL), where the bar is positioned above the navicular, and far-bar DL (FBDL), where the bar is placed above the 3rd metatarsophalangeal joint. A cross-sectional, randomized, within-participant pilot study was used. Experienced powerlifters and weightlifters (n = 10) performed three individual isometric pulls of the initiation of both conditions. The CBDL resulted in lower tibia and knee angles and greater pelvis and torso angles than the FBDL (p < 0.05), as well as greater electromyography (EMG) activity in the biceps femoris and upper lumbar erector spinae, but lower activity in the vastus lateralis, and a lower knee extensor moment (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences for ground reaction force, joint reaction lumbar shear and compression forces between the two conditions. Despite the differences in pelvis and torso angles between lifting conditions, the internal joint net moment, internal shear forces, and internal compressive forces were not different between the two lifting styles. The CBDL set up also resulted in greater posterior chain (hamstrings and erector spine) EMG amplitude, whereas the FBDL set up resulted in more anterior chain (quadriceps) amplitude. Lifters and coaches may choose either deadlift style, according to preferences or training goals, without concern for differences in lumbar spinal loading.
Highlights
The deadlift is a fundamental movement that has large translation to both everyday life and strength development and is a primary component in many strength training programs.An individual’s set up position of a deadlift is influenced by numerous anatomical parameters including hip and ankle range of motion, relative torso, arm, and leg length, and flexibility [1].many variations of the deadlift exist that may differentially accommodate specific anatomical and physiological characteristics, and to emphasize specific muscle groups [2]
A lack of literature currently exists regarding the biomechanical differences between different styles of conventional deadlifts
The present study examined the differences in biomechanical outcomes between two deadlifting styles in experienced athletes
Summary
The deadlift is a fundamental movement that has large translation to both everyday life and strength development and is a primary component in many strength training programs.An individual’s set up position of a deadlift is influenced by numerous anatomical parameters including hip and ankle range of motion, relative torso, arm, and leg length, and flexibility [1].many variations of the deadlift exist that may differentially accommodate specific anatomical and physiological characteristics, and to emphasize specific muscle groups [2]. An individual’s set up position of a deadlift is influenced by numerous anatomical parameters including hip and ankle range of motion, relative torso, arm, and leg length, and flexibility [1]. There are two main variations of a conventional deadlift with different starting bar positions based on the barbell sports of powerlifting and weightlifting. As a result of the bar position, the CBDL style will have a higher hip position and more horizontal torso, which may result in increased net lumbar shear force and increased erector spinae activity. Hancock et al [4], explored the differences in bar path due to each deadlift set-up position and found that the CBDL style results in 43% less horizontal bar displacement compared to the FBDL
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