Academic literature on the topic 'Powerlifting'

Il Powerlifting è una disciplina internazionale in cui gli atleti si impegnano a sollevare un ammontare massimale di peso in tre diversi esercizi: lo squat, la distensione su panca e lo stacco da terra. Nonostante, in Italia, siano molte le persone che vorrebbero dedicarsi a questa disciplina non è sempre facile trovare un istruttore qualificato nella propria zona. Molti atleti, quindi, eseguono studi sull’argomento tramite libri o corsi online per poi svolgere gli allenamenti in autonomia, rendendo così complesso capire se gli esercizi che si stanno praticando sono eseguiti in maniera corretta. Attorno a queste problematiche si inserisce il presente lavoro di tesi, volto a fornire un’analisi della validità dello squat nel Powerlifting, tramite l’utilizzo di sensori inerziali. In particolare, è stato acquisito un soggetto (47kg, 158cm) con sensori inerziali e stereofotogrammetria, considerata strumento Gold Standard. Successivamente, i dati raccolti sono stati elaborati con diversi metodi e confrontati con l’approccio stereofotogrammetrico che considera per l’articolazione dell’anca il Grande Trocantere e per quella di ginocchio la porzione più prossimale della rotula (Protocollo PG-GT). Questo, allo scopo di valutare se i sensori inerziali sono in grado di stimare la validità dello squat commettendo un errore di al massimo 3°. Il metodo che considera la porzione più prossimale della rotula (PG) e la spina iliaca anteriore superiore (SIAS), consiste in un approccio che tende maggiormente a sovrastimare l’angolo della coscia rispetto alla verticale rispetto al metodo Gold Standard, utilizzare questo metodo nella pratica, in sostituzione all’approccio PG-GT, significa quindi valutare come valide un numero maggiore di prove. Gli algoritmi implementati che utilizzano i sensori inerziali non permettono di valutare la validità dello squat nel Powerlifting entro un errore massimo di 3°.

Daily undulating periodization represents an increasingly popular trend in exercise science with which a traditional model has been established. Tiered daily undulating periodization pairs the DUP approach with a tiered training system which allows volume and intensity to be more evenly distributed throughout a given graining cycle. The concept of tiered daily undulating periodization is a novel form of periodization and has not been investigated. As such, a comparison of traditional and tiered daily undulating periodization has yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of traditional and tiered daily undulating periodization models as they relate to strength adaptations in trained males. Twenty-seven resistance trained males (22.0 ± 4.5 years) completed an 8 week resistance training protocol. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the traditional daily undulating periodization group (DUP, n = 12) or tiered daily undulating periodization group (TDUP, n = 15). Participants were recruited from the campus recreation center and met the minimum strength requirements of bench pressing their bodyweight, squatting 125% of their bodyweight, and deadlifting 150% of their bodyweight. Strength measures included squat 1RM, bench press 1RM, deadlift 1RM, powerlifting total, and Wilk’s Coefficient. Each variable was measured at baseline and again after the 8 week training period. Each group performed the same number of sets, reps, and exercises throughout each training week. DUP specified all exercises in a given training bout to be performed the same intensity and repetition scheme. TDUP specified performance of one high intensity exercise each day with each subsequent exercise being performed with lower intensity and differing repetition scheme. Data was analyzed via a 2x2 mixed factorial ANOVA with the alpha criterion for significance set at 0.05. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline and no significant differences were observed between groups for total volume or intensity. With respect to strength dependent variables, there was a main effect for time (p = <0.001) for back squat 1RM (DUP pre = 140.5 ± 33.9 kg, DUP post = 163.3 ± 29.8 kg; TDUP pre = 147.3 ±34.0 kg, TDUP post = 166.5 ± 30.7 kg), bench press 1RM (DUP pre = 104.2 ± 12.9 kg, DUP post = 114.9 ± 14.2 kg; TDUP = 110.4 ± 12.7 kg, TDUP post = 120.6 ± 11.9 kg), deadlift 1RM (DUP pre = 177.7 ± 26.4 kg, DUP post = 194.1 ± 20.2 kg; TDUP pre = 169.6 ± 37.5, TDUP post = 188.3 ± 37.5), powerlifting total (DUP pre = 422.4 ± 67.8 kg, DUP post = 472.4 ± 60.6 kg; TDUP pre = 427.1 ± 79.2 kg, TDUP post = 476.5 ± 74.1 kg), and Wilk’s score (DUP pre = 287.5 ± 49.3, DUP post = 320.0 ± 45.6; TDUP pre = 298.3 ± 45.8, TDUP post = 331.6 ± 38.7). However, no interaction effects were observed between DUP and TDUP for any of the strength dependent variables. These results suggest that 8 weeks of tiered DUP resistance training leads to similar gains in strength compared to the traditional DUP model in trained males. This could be a result of the similar workload between both groups. While not significant, traditional DUP may be more efficacious for improving back squat 1RM (DUP = 16%; TDUP = 13%), while TDUP may elicit greater strength gains in the deadlift (DUP = 9%; TDUP = 12%). Furthermore, this study demonstrates that exercise order and training intensity can be manipulated throughout each training session according to personal preference while maintaining strength adaptations within a DUP model. Lastly, dropout rates in this study lead researchers to conclude that the DUP protocols investigated should be transient and not used as a long term training approach.

Daily undulating periodization is a growing trend in the exercise science literature. Flexible daily undulating periodization allows for athletes to have some autonomy within a periodized training cycle and is a relatively new and unstudied concept. The comparison of a flexible and traditional daily undulating periodization program using trained males has not been examined in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Flexible and Traditional Daily Undulating Periodization models on powerlifting performance in trained males. 25 resistance-trained males (23±6 years; 79±22 kg) completed a 9-week resistance-training program and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Flexible Daily Undulating Periodization (FDUP; N=14) or Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP; N=11). All subjects possessed a minimum of 6 months of resistance training experience & were required to squat 125% their bodyweight, bench press their bodyweight, and deadlift 150% their bodyweight. Dependent variables (DV) included bench press 1RM, squat 1RM, deadlift 1RM, Powerlifting total, and Wilk's Coefficient. Each DV was assessed at baseline and after the 9-week training program. The DUP group performed a hypertrophy workout on Monday, a power workout on Wednesday, and a strength workout on Friday. The FDUP group completed the exact same workouts in a given week, but were allowed to choose the order of the workouts. Data for each DV were analyzed via a 2x2 between-within factorial repeated measures ANOVA. The alpha criterion for significance was set at 0.05. There were no significant differences in total volume or intensity between groups. There was a main effect for time (p < 0.001) for 1RM Squat (FDUP pre = 132 ± 34 kg, FDUP Post = 148 ± 33 kg; DUP pre = 147 ± 31 kg, DUP post = 165 ± 25 kg), 1RM Bench Press (FDUP pre = 96 ± 20 kg, FDUP post = 102 ± 19 kg; DUP pre = 147 ± 31 kg, DUP post = 165 ± 25 kg), 1RM Deadlift (FDUP pre = 166 ± 41 kg, FDUP post: 181 ± 37 kg; DUP pre = 174 ± 25 kg, DUP post = 188 ± 29 kg), Powerlifting Total (FDUP pre = 394 ± 90 kg, FDUP post = 431 ± 84; DUP pre = 439 ± 71 kg, DUP post = 480 ± 69 kg), and Wilk's Coefficient (FDUP pre = 147 ± 25 kg, FDUP post = 304 ± 51; DUP pre = 299 ± 41, DUP post = 325 ± 38). There were no interaction effects between the FDUP and DUP for any of the variables assessed. 9 weeks of Flexible DUP leads to comparable gains in powerlifting performance when compared to a Traditional DUP program in trained males. This may be attributed to the fact that both groups performed similar volumes of work throughout the study. Specifically, FDUP improved squat 1RM by 12%, bench press 1RM by 7%, deadlift 1RM by 9%, powerlifting total by 9%, & Wilk's coefficient by 9%. Similarly, DUP improved squat 1RM by 12%, bench press 1RM by 8%, deadlift 1RM by 8%, powerlifting total by 9%, & Wilk's coefficient by 9%.

The contemporary training practices of powerlifters are presently being adopted by athletes from a variety of sports seeking to improve their performance. The aims of this PhD were to: 1) identify the contemporary training practices of powerlifters; 2) investigate the biomechanical stimulus the training practices create; and 3) assess whether the training practices have the potential to improve the athletic performance of general athletes The aims were achieved through the completion of five related studies. The first study employed questionnaires and interviews to indentify the contemporary training practices used by elite powerlifters. The results demonstrated that elite powerlifters used a wide variety of training practices, many of which would not have been attributed to the group based on previous literature. The practices were categorised based on their underlying mechanical principles so that the essential features could be investigated in the subsequent studies. A regression-based approach was used in the second study to identify the biomechanical variables associated with performance of common sporting tasks. Maximum force production, power, velocity and rate of force development (RFD) were shown to explain a large percentage of variation in performance of tasks such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction (adjusted R2 ranged from 0.43 to 0.86). These mechanical variables were then measured in a series of experimental studies to assess the potential of the contemporary powerlifting practices to improve athletes‟ physical performance. Assessments were based on a central paradigm in strength and conditioning that asserts that improvements in the ability to express biomechanical variables (e.g. force and power) are best obtained with training practices that maximise acute production of the same variable. Based on the categorisation of the mechanical principles underlying the assessed training practices, three experimental studies were conducted that investigated: 1) the practice of performing traditional resistance exercises at maximum velocity; 2) the effects of manipulating the external resistance through the use of variable resistance material (chain resistance) and an unconventional barbell (the hexagonal barbell); and 3) the effects of altering the movement strategy used to perform the squat. The results of the studies clearly demonstrated that each of the practices investigated could be used to substantially alter and in most cases enhance the biomechanical stimulus created. The practice of performing traditional resistance exercises at maximum velocity revealed that all key mechanical variables were significantly increased (p<0.05) compared with the standard practice of performing repetitions with a sub-maximum velocity. In addition, the results demonstrated that when performing a traditional resistance exercise such as the deadlift at maximum velocity, experienced resistance trained athletes could accelerate the load for the majority (75% to 90%+) of the movement. The second experimental study featuring the separate use of chain resistance and the hexagonal barbell to alter the characteristics of the external resistance demonstrated contrasting effects. The change in position of the external resistance when using the hexagonal barbell significantly (p<0.05) increased the participants' ability to produce high force, power, velocity and RFD values across a range of loads in comparison with the same movement performed with a traditional straight barbell. In contrast, the results from the study evaluating the effects of adding chain resistance showed that whilst force values were increased with the addition of chains, velocity, power and RFD values substantially decreased compared to standard repetitions performed with barbell resistance only. The results also demonstrated that the effects of the chain resistance were more noticeable with heavier chain and barbell loads. The final experimental investigated the effects of altering the movement strategy used to perform the back squat exercise. The results confirmed that changes to the movement strategy had a significant effect on a range of kinematic and kinetic variables. In particular, the contemporary techniques promoted by powerlifters resulted in substantial kinematic and kinetic changes at the hip and reduced kinetic output at the ankle joint. Collectively, the work from this PhD supports the selective use of contemporary powerlifting training practices for the development of athletic potential. Future research should build on the framework created in this thesis, progressing to longitudinal and ultimately implementation studies to increase the likelihood of transferring the results to practice.

In powerlifting the athletes compete to lift as much weight as possible in the squat, bench press and deadlift, pushing their bodies to extreme levels of strength. When lifting heavy weights, safety becomes an important concern, especially where the lifters can get injured by the barbell if a lift is unsuccessful. Today in the squat, the only safety mechanism available are the spotters, a team of officials who surround the lifter during competition. This product development project aims to improve the safety of lifters and spotters in competition. This project followed the CDIO process model, going through the four phases of conceive, design, implement, and operate. Using literature review, interviews, observations, ergonomic analysis, fault tree analysis gave insights and information, which then were comprised into a Product Design Specification. The design phase included idea generation using creative sessions, resulting a lot of ideas on how the problems could be solved. In the subsequent phases the ideas were developed using CAD, evaluated using FEM and usability testes, and narrowed down using the PDS. The result is a feasible conceptual solution that, with minimal changes on use improve the safety for lifters and spotters. The concept accomplishes this with mechanical barriers in the form of straps. The straps are mounted to steel beams that attaches to the uprights of the rack and reaches over the athlete, enclosing the barbell. The concept also includes a pair of extension legs, which attaches to the base of the rack, increasing the size of the footprint and provide additional stability. The solution is made to be retrofitted to already existing combo racks made by Eleiko. Key features of the concepts are the straps passively adjust in height when adjusting the height of the rack and the straps accommodate lifters with different grip widths when the rack is in the folded in position.<br>I styrkelyft tävlar atleter i att lyfta så mycket vikt som möjligt i delgrenarna, knäböj, bänkpress och marklyft. Det göra att lyftarna pressar sina kroppar till extrema nivåer av styrka. När tunga vikter ska lyftas är säkerheten alltid en angelägenhet, speciellt med tanke på följderna av klämmas under en skivstång. I dagsläget finns det en säkerhetsmekanism för knäböj på en styrkelyftstävling. Klovarna, de funktionärer som omringar lyftaren på podiet har i uppgift att fånga vikten och hjälpa lyftaren tillbaka i racken om något går fel. Misslyckas dem med sin uppgift kan det ge ödesdigra konsekvenser. Målet med det här produktutvecklingsprojektet är att lösa det problemet och följaktligen att förbättra säkerheten för både lyftare och klovare på tävling. Projektet har använt processmodellen CDIO, en linjär process som består av fyra steg, conceive, design, implement och operate. Under conceive-fasen undersöktes problemet noggrannare. Med stöd av resultaten från litteraturstudier, intervjuer, observationer, ergonomisk analys och felträdsanalys upprättades en designspecifikation. Efter det genererades idéer i kreativa sessioner, vilket resulterade i ett brett spektrum av idéer och möjliga lösningar. I följande faser utvecklades idéerna till koncept med hjälp av CAD. De tidiga koncepten utvärderades sedan med FEM och användartester och skalades ner till ett slutgiltigt koncept med designspecifikationen som utgångspunkt. Resultatet av projektet är en konceptuell produktlösning, som med minimal påverkan på lyftare och klovare ökar säkerheten i knäböj. Konceptet åstadkommer det med nylonremmar som agerar mekaniska barriärer för skivstången. Remmarna sitter fast i en stålbalk som sträcker sig över lyftaren och monteras i stolparna på racket. Konceptet innehåller också ett par förlängningsben som fästs i basen av det befintliga racket. De förbättrar stabiliteten för racket genom att utöka fotavtrycket. Konceptet är tänkt att eftermonteras på befintliga styrkelyftsställningar från Eleiko. Nyckelfunktioner för konceptet är den passiva höjdjusteringen, höjden på remmarna justeras automatiskt när höjden på ställningen ställs in för lyftare av olika längd. Konceptet tillåter även att lyftare att knäböja med brett grepp om stången och infällt rack obehindrat då remmarna inte kommer i vägen för armarna.

The purposes of this dissertation were to 1) determine what tapering and peaking practices appear to be most effective via systematic review, 2) to identify the tapering and peaking practices used by North American powerlifters, 3) to experimentally compare muscular adaptations and performance changes following two different training cessation periods, and 4) to experimentally compare the two most common taper models following a training program aimed at peaking maximal strength. Based on the scientific literature, a step and exponential taper appeared to be the most effective tapering models used when volume-load is reduced by half over 2±1 week. Interestingly, North American powerlifters reported that the step taper was most often used while reducing volume-load by 41-50% over 7-10 days. Furthermore experimentally, there were no changes in lower body maximal strength following 3 or 5 days of training cessation. However, upper body maximal strength decreased following 5 days of training cessation. Thus, at the end of a taper, a training cessation period of 3 days appears to be effective for maintaining upper and lower body maximal strength. Furthermore, a work-matched step taper and exponential taper produced similar outcomes for 1RM back squat, bench press, and deadlift, powerlifting total and Wilks Score in strength athletes, yet deadlift 1RM changes favored the exponential taper. However, there were clear physiological differences observed at the whole muscle and muscle fiber levels that appeared to contribute to performance outcomes. This was one of the first investigations demonstrating whole muscle and muscle fiber hypertrophy following a peaking program in strength athletes. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated an increase in myosin-heavy chain IIA content with concomitant decreases in myosin-heavy chain I and IIX content, particularly following the step-taper. These myosin isoform shifts towards a faster, higher quality phenotype were related to changes in underlying myocellular signaling (i.e. Sox6 upregulation, micro RNA-499a downregulation) responsible for fiber-type transitions. These findings indicate a shorter taper may produce favorable muscular adaptations followed by a period of short-term training cessation to prevent the loss of taper-induced performance adaptations. Overall, the findings from these investigations support the use of tapering to enhance maximal strength.

Анализ особенностей соревновательной деятельности пауэрлифтинга позволяет предполагать значительные различия в проявлении силы в пауэрлифтинге и тяжёлой атлетике, это дало основания говорить и о специфике подготовки в силовом троеборье. В то же время научных исследований, содержащих развёрнутую доказательную базу эффективности тех или иных средств, методов, методик в тренировке пауэрлифтеров пока немного. Признание специфичности соревновательной двигательной деятельности в пауэрлифтинге не имеет экспериментального подтверждения. Плохо изучена специфика проявления силы в упражнениях силового троеборья у пауэрлифтеров различной квалификации. Поэтому можно считать, что современная теория подготовки в пауэрлифтинге находится в стадии накопления фактического материала и первых обобщений [1].

The purpose of the study was to determine anthropometric characteristics that may affect deadlift performance. Fourteen powerlifters performed isometric pulls on a force plate at 3 key positions of the deadlift (at the floor, just above the patella, and 5-6 cm short of lockout) and the mid-thigh pull (MTP). RM ANOVA revealed that forces generated at each bar height differed significantly (F(3,39) = 51.058, p<0.05). Discriminant analysis was able to classify lifters into "stronger" and "weaker" groups with 100% accuracy using measured anthropometric dimensions. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that height to body mass ratio was important in differentiating performance in all positions but lockout. Segment and various measures of height were also important in discriminating performance in the knee, lockout, and MTP positions. Results of this analysis should provide some insight to the anthropometric dimensions that are related to success in various phases of the deadlift.

Introdução: Atletas de Powerlifting utilizam habitualmente em sua preparação física o Agachamento (AT) e o Box-Squat (BS). Conhecer as variáveis cinemáticas e eletromiográficas destes exercícios é relevante para sua prescrição. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos agudos da utilização do Agachamento e do Box-Squat, em três diferentes amplitudes de movimento, sobre variáveis de desempenho neuromuscular, em atletas de Powerlifting. Materiais e Métodos: Dez atletas de Powerlifing (31,7±5,05 anos) participaram de duas sessões de avaliação: i) aplicação de questionário, realização de medidas antropométricas e testes de 1RM para Agachamento e Box-Squat nas condições Completo, Paralelo e Parcial; ii) Coleta do sinal eletromiográfico dos músculos Reto Femoral; Vasto Lateral; Vasto Medial; Bíceps Femoral; Glúteo Máximo; Gastrocnêmio Lateral e Eretores da Coluna, durante AT e BS com as cargas de 1RM previamente aferidas. Coleta de dados de cinemetria 2D para o cálculo da Potência Absoluta e Relativa. Resultados: A carga de 1RM (252±55 Kg) e o Índice de Força Relativa (2,66±0,43) do BS Parcial foram significativamente maiores que nas outras cinco variações de exercício. Potência Absoluta (613,25±194,80 W) e Relativa (6,48±1,86) foram maiores no AT Parcial quando comparado a BS Completo, AT Completo, AT Paralelo e BS Paralelo. A ativação EMG do Reto Femoral foi maior no BS Completo (95,48±46,82 %CIVM) comparada à AT Parcial e BS Parcial. O Glúteo Máximo foi mais ativado no AT Paralelo (175,36±101,79 %CIVM) comparado ao BS Completo (143,51±79,00 %CIVM). A ativação dos Eretores da Coluna no AT Paralelo (132,27±77,31 %CIVM) foi superior à do AT Parcial (92,09±38,28 %CIVM). Conclusão: As cargas de 1RM foram maiores em excursões articulares reduzidas, com vantagem do BS Parcial. O AT Parcial apresentou maiores valores de Potência Absoluta e Relativa. AT e BS mostraram-se equivalentes do ponto de vista da ativação muscular.<br>Introduction: Powerlifters commonly use Squats and Box-Squats in their training process. Knowing kinetics and kinematics of these exercises can help trainers when planning a training program. Objective: To compare kinetic and kinematics of full, parallel and partial Squats and Box-Squats performed by Powerlifters. Material and Methods: Ten Powerlifters (31,7±5,05 years) participated in two sessions of data collection: i) Survey about training and injury, Anthropometrical measures, 1RM testing for the full, parallel and partial Squats and Box-Squats; ii) Muscle activity of rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, lateral gastrocnemius and erector spinae over the six conditions at 100% of 1RM. Sagital plane video was recorded for power output measures. Results: Significantly higher loads were observed in Partial Box-Squat (252±55 Kg) compared to the other five situations. Overall (613,25±194,80 W) and Relative (6,48±1,86) Power Output were higher at Partial Squat when compared to Parallel and Full Squats and Box-Squats. Muscle activation of rectus femoris was significantly higher in Full Box-Squat (95,48±46,82 %MVC) compared to Partial Squats and Box-Squats. Gluteus maximus activation was higher at the Parallel Squat (175,36±101,79 %MVC) when compared to the Full Box-Squat (143,51±79,00 %MVC). Erector Spinae muscle activation was significantly higher in Parallel Squat (132,27±77,31 %MVC) in comparison to the Partial Squat (92,09±38,28 %MVC). Conclusion: Higher 1RM loads were found in Partial Range of Motion, especially in Box-Squat. Overall and Relative Power Output were higher at Partial Squats. Squats and Box-Squats showed similar muscle activation patterns.

Previous attentional focus literature suggests that adopting an external focus (EF) results in greater force production through a variety of mechanisms. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of attentional focus and dual-tasking when performing heavily loaded barbell movements that are specific to strength-based sports. Fifteen resistance-trained males (age = 23.3 ± 3.4 years) reported to the laboratory for three visits. The first visit consisted of a five-repetition maximum (5RM) test on the conventional deadlift. During the subsequent sessions, the participants performed a total of twelve single conventional deadlift repetitions while adopting an internal focus (IF), an external focus (EF), or while performing the cognitive task (COG). The IF and EF consisted of focusing on activating the quadriceps and maintain a straight bar path, respectively. The COG consisted of counting the total occurrence of two single-digits in a sequence of three-digit numbers, separately. Three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. No significant differences were found between the IF, the EF and the COG for lift duration, peak barbell velocity, peak vertical ground reaction force, area of 95% confidence ellipse, peak hip moments and peak hip powers. Adopting an EF significantly reduced variability of the barbell trajectory and centre of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior direction. Mean velocity of COP was also significantly lower for the EF. Our findings suggest that adopting an EF may lead to greater postural stability when performing heavily loaded barbell movements.