Competitive Weightlifters Research Articles

Moderate Volume of High Relative Training Intensity Produces Greater Strength Gains Compared With Low and High Volumes in Competitive Weightlifters

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 3 volumes of heavy resistance, average relative training intensity (expressed as a percentage of 1 repetition maximum that represented the absolute kilograms lifted divided by the number of repetitions performed) programs on maximal strength (1RM) in Snatch (Sn), Clean & Jerk (C&J), and Squat (Sq). Twenty-nine experienced (>3 years), trained junior weightlifters were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 groups: low-intensity group (LIG; n = 12), moderate-intensity group (MIG; n = 9), and high-intensity group (HIG; n = 8). All subjects trained for 10 weeks, 4-5 days a week, in a periodized routine using the same exercises and training volume (expressed as total number of repetitions performed at intensities equal to or greater than 60% of 1RM), but different programmed total repetitions at intensities of >90-100% of 1RM for the entire 10-week period: LIG (46 repetitions), MIG (93 repetitions), and HIG (184 repetitions). During the training period, MIG and LIG showed a significant increase (p < 0.01-0.05) for C&J (10.5% and 3% for MIG and LIG, respectively) and Sq (9.5% and 5.3% for MIG and LIG, respectively), whereas in HIG the increase took place only in Sq (6.9%, p < 0.05). A calculation of effect sizes revealed greater strength gains in the MIG than in HIG or LIG. There were no significant differences between LIG and HIG training volume-induced strength gains. All the subjects in HIG were unable to fully accomplish the repetitions programmed at relative intensities greater than 90% of 1RM. The present results indicate that short-term resistance training using moderate volumes of high relative intensity tended to produce higher enhancements in weightlifting performance compared with low and high volumes of high relative training intensities of equal total volume in experienced, trained young weightlifters. Therefore, for the present population of weightlifters, it may be beneficial to use the MIG training protocol to improve the weightlifting program at least in a short-term (10 weeks) cycle of training.

A Preliminary Investigation of the Biomechanical and Perceptual Influence of Chain Resistance on the Performance of the Snatch

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of chains to a barbell during the performance of the snatch would invoke differences in execution compared with lifting a conventional barbell without chains. Additionally, subjects were asked whether they perceived that the addition of chains had effects on their performance, and, if so, what those effects were. Four male and 3 female competitive weightlifters who regularly used chains as part of their training programs participated in the study. They were compared lifting 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) using conventional barbells with 80% of 1RM, 5% of which was accounted for by chains. The same procedure was used with 85% of 1RM. Variables examined included maximum vertical displacement of the bar, maximum bar velocity, rate of force production of the bar, and vertical ground reaction forces for the first pull, unweighting, and second pull phases of the lift. Results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the chain vs. no-chain conditions at either 80% or 85% of 1RM. In contrast, 100% of the subjects stated that they perceived that the addition of chains made them work harder during the snatch. They suggested that the chains forced them to pull harder throughout the lift and that oscillation of the chains required their shoulders, abdominals, and back to work harder to stabilize the bar in the catch phase. Although statistical results indicate that chains have no influence on the snatch technique, chains may have a psychological impact and possibly invoke a physiological training response by increasing strength of muscles required to stabilize the bar during the catch phase if used over time.

Kinematic And Kinetic Analysis Of The Influence Of Chains On The Execution Of The Clean

Chain training, a technique where chains are hung from the ends of conventional barbells, is rapidly increasing in popularity in strength training facilities nationally. Advocates contend that the use of chains assists in the development of explosive power, increased core stabilization, and enhanced motor control and balance. Yet, empirical evidence to substantiate these claims is lacking. PURPOSE To investigate the influence of chains on the execution of the clean. METHODS Three female and four male competitive weightlifters who have used chains in their training participated in the study. Each lifter employed his or her individual warm-up protocol prior to performing one repetition under the following conditions: (1) 75% of the individual's 1 repetition maximum (RM) using only the conventional bar and weights, (2) 80% of the individual's 1 RM, 75% of which was accounted for by the conventional bar and weights with the remaining 5% accounted for by the addition of chains, (3) 80% of the individual's 1 RM using only the conventional bar and weights, (4) 85% of the individual's 1 RM, 80% conventional bar and weights, 5% chains and (5) 85% of the individual's RM using only the conventional bar and weights. Each trial was completed by all lifters before moving to the next higher percentage load ensuring ample rest between lifts. During each trial, lifters positioned their right foot on an AMTI force platform which collected ground reaction forces at a rate of 1000 HZ. In addition, all trials were videotaped, capturing the subject's right side in the sagittal plane at 60 HZ. A reflective marker was placed on the end of the bar facing the camera. Kinematic data were digitized and analyzed using the PEAK Motus 4.3 motion analysis system. Separate paired t-tests were used to examine maximum vertical displacement of the bar, maximum bar velocity, and the vertical ground reaction forces (Fz) for the first pull, unweighting, and second pull phases of each lift. RESULTS For the 80% conventional bar and weights only lift, significantly greater vertical displacement of the bar occurred (t = 0.038, p<.05). For the chain lift at 80%, force plate data revealed significantly greater ground reaction forces during both the unweighting (t = .005, p<.05) and 2nd pull phases (t = .035, p<.05). No significant differences were found for the 85% lift (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Results suggest that chains have minimal influence on the execution of the clean in trained competitive weightlifters. Future longitudinal research with chains must be conducted to assess the efficacy and transfer specificity of chain training.

The POLPSA lesion: MR imaging findings with arthroscopic correlation in patients with posterior instability

To evaluate the features of the posterior labrocapsular periosteal sleeve avulsion (POLPSA) lesion on MR imaging in athletes with posterior shoulder instability. Six male athletes (age range 19-43 years) with avulsion of the posterior glenoid periosteum were identified on MR imaging. There were four football players, one wrestler, and one competitive weightlifter. The weightlifter had a bilateral condition so that seven shoulders were evaluated. MR imaging was performed with a 1.5 T magnet utilizing conventional and fat-saturated fast spin-echo coronal oblique and sagittal oblique sequences and a 3D-GRE transaxial sequence. Surgical correlation was available in all shoulders. All patients presented with pain and a joint effusion. The size of the periosteal sleeve and redundant joint recess was variable. Fibrous proliferation was noted arthroscopically in four shoulders beneath the sleeve. Although the posterior labrum was detached in all studies, only one labrum had a tear while two showed marked degeneration. The POLPSA lesion is an abnormality that can be associated with posterior instability. It differs from a reverse Bankart lesion because the periosteum, although detached, remains intact with the posterior capsule and detached posterior labrum. This lesion may represent an acute form of a Bennett lesion.

Muscletown USA: Bob Hoffman and the Manly Culture of York Barbell

From the 1930s to the 1980s, the capital of weightlifting in America was York, Pennsylvania, the home of the Barbell Company. Bob Hoffman, the founder of Barbell, propagated an ideology of success for Americans seeking physical improvement. Often called the Father of World Weightlifting, Hoffman was a pioneer in marketing barbells and health foods. He popularized weight training and inaugurated a golden age of American weightlifting. Muscletown USA-part biography, part business history, and part sports history-chronicles how Hoffman made the mecca of manly culture for millions of followers worldwide. Hoffman created his so-called muscle empire out of an oil-burner business that he started in the early 1920s. Within a decade, his passion for sport exceeded his need to produce oil burners and by the outset of the Depression he began manufacturing barbells at the factory. He soon discovered a willing public of aspiring weightlifters like himself who would buy not only barbells but also health and fitness products. Hoffman soon recruited a remarkable group of athletes, whom he tagged his York Gang. He gave these men jobs in the factory, where they trained for national and international meets. Gradually, Hoffman emerged as one of the most prominent muscle peddlers in America, using his fame and fortune to promote competitive weightlifting, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. Muscletown USA reveals other innovations in which Hoffman played a major role, including weight training for athletes, health foods, bottled spring water, isometrics, and women's weightlifting. Even anabolic steroids, first used by weightlifters in the early 1960s, were a direct outgrowth of the fitness culture spawned by Hoffman. Meticulously researched and engagingly written, Fair's book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including anyone fascinated by American sports history and the iron game.

Relationships Between Serum Testosterone, Cortisol, and Weightlifting Performance

Elite and nonelite junior weightlifters (nonelite: n 5 14, X ¯ 6 SE, age 5 17.2 6 0.4 years; elite: n 5 8, age 5 18.4 6 0.4 years) performed identical training programs for 4 weeks. Pre- and postexercise serum samples were collected before and after 1 week of high-volume training and after 3 weeks of normal-volume training. The percent change (%D )i n preexercise testosterone/cortisol exhibited different correlations (p , 0.05), with %D weightlifting performance for each training phase and each group (high volume nonelite: r 5 20.70; high volume elite: r 5 0.00; normal volume nonelite: r 5 0.51; normal volume elite: r 5 0.92). Correlations for %D testosterone or cortisol and weightlifting performance exhibited no discernible pattern. These data indicate that preexercise testosterone/cortisol of these weightlifters reflect the short-term training volumes and is correlated to changes in competitive weightlifting performances. Furthermore, based on hormonal profiles and weightlifting performances, elite weightlifters appeared to better tolerate high-volume training than nonelite weightlifters.

ANASARCA - COMPETITIVE BODY BUILDING

1490 HISTORY - An 18-year-old competitive weight-lifter with known insulin dependent diabetes mellitus presented with weight gain of 40 pounds, severe edema in upper and lower extremities, joint pain, paresthesia, and oliguria. He competed in a body-building competition one week prior to presentation. His pre-competition regime included nine weeks of short and long acting anabolic steroids, diuretics, stimulants, natural supplements, and altered diet. His insulin requirements decreased during training until 2 days prior to competition. At that time, insulin requirements reached 3-4 times his usual dosage. He was treated two days prior to admission with diuretics with no noted effect. Along with the above symptoms, he was complaining of mild dyspnea, orthopnea, arthralgias, myalgia, urinary urgency and hesitancy. PHYSICAL EXAM - Alert and oriented. Vital signs were stable. No acute distress. No periorbital edema. No JVD. Lungs - clear. Heart regular rhythm without murmur or extra heart sounds. No hepatosplenomegaly or ascities. Bounding peripheral arterial pulses. Strength 5/5. Sensation intact. Skin appeared tense over the forearms with tenderness to palpation in the forearms and posterior lower extremities. 2-3+ pitting edema noted distal to knees bilaterally. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS - I. Anasarca secondary to hypernatremia from dietary overload post-competition, steroid and/or diuretic induced sodium retention; insulin edema; acute renal failure; hypoproteinemia. II. Cardiomyopathy secondary to steroid abuse and/or diabetes leading to congestive heart failure. III. Compartment syndrome in upper and lower extremities. IV. Insulin resistance secondary to steroid abuse. V. Acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis; urinary tract infection; dehydration. TESTS AND RESULTS - ECG normal. Echocardiogram - small amount of retrocardiac effustion. Chest x-ray - increased vascular markings. Blood glucose of 165 mg/dl, sodium 146 mg/dl, BUN 21 mg/dl, creatinine 1.2 mg/dl, CPK 1658 mg/dl. Cardiac enzymes normal. Myoglobinuria. Forearm compartment pressures 27-30 mm Hg. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSES - Rhabdomyolysis, mild dehydration, prerenal azotemia, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance, anasarca of multiple etiologies. TREATMENT - Diuretics, alkalinization of urine with sodium bicarbonate and fluid hydration, low sodium, 3000 calorie American Diabetes Association diet, decreased insulin dosage, and sulfonylureas. Discontinued use of anabolic steroids, ergogenic supplements, stimulants, and pathologic dietary behaviors.

Antagonistic-synergistic muscle action at the knee during competitive weightlifting

A sagittal-plane model of the knee, which takes account of the movements of the flexion axis relative to the femur and tibia and considers the possibility of antagonistic and synergistic muscle action, is used to determine the values of the forces transmitted by the muscles, cruciate ligaments and intra-articular surfaces during the clean phase of the clean-and-jerk weightlift. The theoretical analyses demonstrate that it is geometrically and mechanically possible for the knee musculature to unload and thereby protect the cruciate ligaments throughout a substantial portion of the lift. The price to be paid for this protection, in the case of the co-contraction of antagonistic muscles, is larger muscle and tibio-fermoral contact forces. The application of synergistic muscle action, however, results in smaller individual muscle and intra-articular contact forces.

Low-dose amino acid supplementation: no effects on serum human growth hormone and insulin in male weightlifters.

Using a double-blind, crossover protocol, we studied the possible effects of a 4-day combined L-arginine, L-ornithine, and L-lysine supplementation (each 2 g/day, divided into two daily doses) on 24-hr level of serum human growth hormone (hGH) and insulin in 11 competitive weightlifters, ages 19 to 35 yrs. Three similar daily hGH peaks, seemingly preceded by a decrease in serum insulin concentration, were found during both amino acid and placebo supplementation. Supplementation did not affect the physiological variation of serum hGH concentration (treatment and treatment x time interaction: p = 0.43-0.55). Analogously, serum insulin levels were not higher after amino acid supplementation. Therefore the ergogenic value of low-dose oral amino acid supplementation in increasing hGH or insulin secretion seems questionable.

The Prevalence of Clavicular Osteolysis in Competitive Weight Lifters

The Prevalence of Clavicular Osteolysis in Competitive Weight Lifters

Nontraumatic clavicular osteolysis in weight lifters.

In a previous study, we found an overrepresentation of weight lifters in patients who had a resection of the lateral end of the clavicle. To further investigate a possible association between competitive weight lifting and the development of nontraumatic osteolysis of the lateral end of the clavicle, we studied a group of 25 Danish weight lifters. This group was compared to an age-matched control group of 25 men who had never engaged in weight training procedures. None of the subjects had any history of trauma to the shoulder girdle. All 50 subjects underwent radiographic examination of both shoulder joints. In the weight lifter group, seven cases (28%) demonstrated classical radiographic findings of clavicular osteolysis, with loss of subchondral bone detail, translucency, and cystic changes, while four subjects (16%) had subjective symptoms but no radiographic changes. None of the individuals from the control group revealed similar symptoms or radiographic signs. Thus, based on this limited material, the prevalence of the disorder is about 27%.

Bilateral osteochondral flaps of the wrists

A case of bilateral osteochondral flaps of the wrists in a competitive weight lifter is presented. Diagnosis and treatment were both provided by wrist arthroscopy. Osteochondral flaps should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic wrist pain.

Bone Mineral Content of Junior Competitive Weightlifters

It is suggested that practicing various sports can increase the bone mineral content (BMC). However, we were unable to find any reports indicating BMC changes in weightlifting, a sport which involves both extremities and spine and increases muscle mass as well. Therefore, we thought that it might be of interest to measure BMC in junior competitive weightlifters. On the occasion of a recent Junior World Championship we measured, by single photon absorptiometry, BMC in 59 young competitive male athletes (aged 15 to 20 years) from 14 countries. Several variables were taken into account for each subject, including race, record, age, height and weight. Multiple regression analysis was performed in order to assess the contribution of the above mentioned variables to the variability of both distal and proximal BMC. Finally, athletes' BMCs were compared to matched sex and age normals. Our results suggest that junior competitive weightlifters have an increased BMC, well above the age-matched controls' mean. It seems that the vigorous exercise of weightlifters tends to fade out any race or age-related BMC differences. Finally, weightlifters' BMC seems to be highly correlated with body weight and record.

COMPETITIVE WEIGHTLIFTING: Practical experience of multiple weightlifting competitions

COMPETITIVE WEIGHTLIFTING: Practical experience of multiple weightlifting competitions

Left ventricular diastolic function in weight lifters

Concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and asymmetric septal hypertrophy have both been described in weight lifters, but diastolic filling, which is abnormal in pathologically hypertrophied ventricles, has not been investigated in such subjects. Accordingly, pulsed Doppler examination of LV inflow, M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography were performed in 16 competitive weight lifters and 10 age-matched male control subjects. Peak and mean filling rates were determined in milliliters per second as the product of the cross-sectional area of the mitral anulus and the Doppler-derived peak early and mean transmitral inflow velocities, respectively. Rapid filling index was defined as peak filling rate divided by mean filling rate. Flow velocity integrals of the early and atrial diastolic filling phases were also measured. LV end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction were measured using 2-dimensional echocardiography. Weight lifters had significantly higher LV end-diastolic volume (181 ± 50 vs 136 ± 40 ml, p < 0.05) and dimension (5.6 ± 0.6 vs 5.1 ± 0.5 cm, p < 0.05), and posterior wall thickness (0.9 ± 0.2 vs 0.8 ± 0.1, p < 0.05); however, after correction for body surface area there was no significant difference in these values. Weight lifters had significantly higher LV mass (241 ± 70 vs 165 ± 29, p < 0.02) and LV mass index (114 ± 29 vs 87 ± 15 g/m 2, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the weight lifters and control subjects in rapid filling index, early to late integral ratio or ejection fraction. Five of the weight lifters competed nationally and took steroids heavily; in this group diastolic function was abnormal. Thus, weight lifters have concentric LV hypertrophy but normal diastolic function, consistent with physiologic hypertrophy.

Left ventricular size in competitive weight lifters: an echocardiographic study.

ABSTRACT MENAPACE, FRANCIS J., WILLIAM J. HAMMER, THEODORE F. RITZER, KENNETH M. KESSLER, HOWARD F. WARNER, JAMES F. SPANN, and ALFRED A. BOVE. Left ventricular size in competitive weight lifters: an echocardiographic study. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 72–75, 1982. To determine if increased left ventricular mass is present in athletes who predominantly perform isometric exercise, this study utilized echocardiograms (echo) from 13 nationally ranked weight lifters (WL) who engaged in isometric exercise while lifting. The thickness of the ventricular septum (VS), the thickness of the posterobasal free wall (LVFW), the diameter of the left ventricular cavity at end-systole (Ds) and end-diastole (Dd) were measured in the weight lifters, all of whom were free of cardiac disease. The findings were compared with 10 normal subjects (N), as well as nine patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) and eight patients with asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH). The septal thickness of the weight lifters was higher than that of the normal subjects. Weight lifters resemble ASH and IHSS patients with an increased VS and a VS/LFVW ratio greater than 1.3. Although meeting the criteria for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), it is unlikely that the weight lifters had this disorder. Two measurements provide a means to separate weight lifters from patients with HCM. Septal thickness, normalized to body surface area (mm/M2), was normal in weight lifters (N=5.81 ±0.56; WL=6.81 ± 0.29; ASH=9.37±0.44; and IHSS= 10.37 ±0.48) and mass/volume ratio VS/Dd (N=0.21 ± 0.02; WL=0.28±0.01) was different from patients with ASH (VS/Dd = 0.40±0.01) or IHSS (0.48 ±0.02). Weight lifters had larger left ventricular cavities than patients with IHSS or ASH as expressed in ratios of VS/DS and VS/Dd. These data indicate that weight lifters have normal left ventricular mass/volume ratios, in spite of an increased septal/free wall ratio.

Left ventricular size in competitive weight lifters

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (MSSE), ACSM's flagship monthly peer-reviewed journal, is the leading multidisciplinary original research journal for members. Each issue features original investigations, clinical studies and comprehensive reviews on current topics in sports medicine and exercise science.

Masters Power Weight Training.

At the age of 50 the author, a former competitive weight lifter, undertook a year-long training program to see how much of his former strength could be regained.

Cardiovascular responses to static exercise in distance runners and weight lifters.

Sixty individuals including 17 competitive weight lifters (CWL), 12 competitive long-distance runners (LDR), 7 amateur (noncompetitive) weight lifters (AWL), 14 heavy controls (HC), and 10 light controls (LC) were studied at supine rest and during static exercise at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction. Blood pressures were similar in all groups at rest (R) and exercise (EX), but the heart rate (HR) and calculated double product (DP) of the LDR were lower at rest (HR: 53 +/- 2.9 beats/min, DP: 6,346 +/- 402) and at fatigue (HR: 78 +/- 5.4 beats/min. DP: 12,739 +/- 1,011) compared to the control group (R-HR: 69 +/- 2.2 beats/min, DP: 8,553 +/- 372; EX-HR: 97 +/- 3.5 beats/min, DP: 16,345 +/- 836). The LDR demonstrated higher end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) and higher end-systolic volume index (ESVI) at rest (EDVI: 84 +/- 3.7, ESVI: 31 +/- 2.7 ml/m2) and at the time of fatigue (EDVI: 90 +/- 5, ESVI: 37 +/- 2.7 ml/m2) compared to the LC group (R-EDVI: 61 +/- 4.4, ESVI: 22 +/- 2.2; EX-EDVI: 75 +/- 3.4, ESVI: 27 +/- 3.2 ml/m2). The CWL, AWL, and control groups had similar HR, DP, and cardiac volumes at rest and during exercise. These data suggest that competitive endurance (dynamic exercise) training alters the cardiovascular response to static exercise. On the other hand, weight lifting (static exercise) training does not alter the cardiovascular response to static exercise.

Echocardiographic left ventricular masses in distance runners and weight lifters

Sixty individuals including 17 competitive weight lifters (CWL), 12 competitive long-distance runners (LDR), 7 amateus (noncompetitive) weight lifters (AWL), 14 heavy controls (HC), and 10 light controls (LC) were studied at supine rest with echocardiographic determination of the left venticular mass (LVM) by the Penn convention. Lean body mass (LBM) was estimated by the Wilmore-Behnke method. The absolute LVM (mean +/- SE) was increased in the two competitive athlete groups compared to controls (LDR: 195 +/- 12; CWL: 190 +/- 10 vs. LC: 122 +/- 10; HC: 151 +/- 9 g). The AWL had a mass (174 +/- 20 g) intermediate between the LDR-CWL and the HC-LC groups. A significant (P = 0.033) correlation of LVM was found with LBM although the correlation coefficient was low (r = 0.276). Normalizing LVM by LBM revealed a significantly higher mass for LDR compared to all other groups but equalized CWL and HC (LDR: 3.2 +/- 0.2; CWL: 2.5 +/- 0.1; AWL: 2.5 +/- 0.2; HC: 2.3 +/- 0.2; LC: 2.0 +/- 0.2 g). These data suggest that training for competitive long-distance running (dynamic training) elevates LVM compared to nonathletic controls and CWL. On the other hand, training for weight lifting (static training) increases absolute LVM but only to the extent that LBM is increased.