Associations Between Maximum Isometric Strength and Weightlifting Performance in Youth Weightlifters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the differences between the isometric start position pull (ISPP) and mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak forces in youth weightlifters and their associations with weightlifting performance. Forty-six male and female youth weightlifters (age: 15.4 6 1.3 years, height: 1.66 6 0.91 m, body mass: 65.7 6 10.0 kg, weightlifting experience: 2.561.6 years) participated. Weightlifting performance was evaluated as the sum of the heaviest snatch and clean and jerk. Isometric start position pull and IMTP kinetics were calculated using a force plate. Weightlifting performance, ISPP, and IMTP were evaluated in 3 different sessions and were calculated in absolute, relative, and allometrically scaled forms. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to analyze the differences between the ISPP and IMTP. Pearson’s r correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between weightlifting performance and the ISPP and IMTP. Fisher’s r-z transformation was performed to determine the differences in the magnitude of correlations between the ISPP and IMTP with weightlifting performance. Statistical significance was set at p#0.05. All subjects had a significantly (p,0.001) lower performance when performing the ISPP compared with IMTP. Significant (p , 0.001) and strong correlations were found between ISPP and IMTP with weightlifting performance (r 5 0.56–0.91). Weightlifting performance was more strongly associated with ISPP than IMTP, although only significant in the relative and allometrically scaled forms (z52.19, p50.01, z52.34, p50.01, respectively). The ISPP is highly associated with weightlifting performance in youth weightlifters and should be included in talent identification and development testing batteries.