Abstract
We present force platform measurements and video tracking analysis of a kettlebell-trained international top athlete performing the kettlebell lifts long cycle and snatch. The ground reaction force measured with the force platform strongly varies during the kettlebell lift. Video analysis reveals the contributions of the kettlebells and the athlete’s body parts to the ground reaction force. The force platform measurements agree with the forces estimated from video tracking usually to within 30%. The presented data allows estimates of the energy and power required for kettlebell lifts, the mechanical efficiency (long cycle: 48%; snatch : 57%), and the forces on the athlete’s joints.
Highlights
In the kettlebell sport, the athlete repeatedly lifts one or two 16 to 32 kg kettlebells as many times as possible in a given time period of 5 minutes to 2 hours or more
Our vertical force measurements on the individual body parts from video tracking can be summed and compared with the ground reaction force independently measured with a force platform
We cannot compare the sum of all forces with an independent force measurement in the horizontal direction since the ground reaction force is only measured in the vertical direction
Summary
The athlete repeatedly lifts one or two 16 to 32 kg kettlebells as many times as possible in a given time period of 5 minutes to 2 hours or more. The long performance times and the relatively light weights make the kettlebell sport an aerobic sport requiring stamina and endurance. This sets it apart from other weightlifting sports where usually only one lift with maximum weight is performed. The sport is exercised in a variety of lifting disciplines, such as the snatch, the jerk and the long cycle.
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