Individual training programs are essential for healthy weightlifting. To investigate the adaptive response of vital functions and pupil diameter to olympic style weightlifting training performed in elite female weightlifters. The study was conducted with twenty elite female weightlifters in the preparation period for competitions. Weightlifters were given 90-minute training sessions with 75% and 100% maximum weight loaded on two different days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, body temperature, and mean pupil diameter values, were measured during the rest, power snatch, clean & jerk movement and cool down phases of 75% and 100% maximum weight loaded training. Shapiro Wilk test, Friedman’s two-way analysis and Sperman correlation used for statistical analyses (P < 0.05). All vital values were significantly different in at least one measurement time from the other measurement times in groups (p ≤ 0.001). In the power snatch phase, all the vital signs were different from the rest and cool down phases in both training groups (p < 0.001, respectively). In 100% maximum weight training group, there was a significant positive correlation between max clean & jerk and systolic blood pressure of basal (r = 0.37), power snatch phase (r = 0.27) and cool down phase (r = 0.44). It can be said that different maximum weight power snatch and clean & jerk weightlifting trainings affect vital functions and mean pupil diameter changes and weightlifting performance within physiological limits, in weightlifters, and this may be a reference in arranging a training program. Continuous monitoring of athletes’ training-induced autonomic outcomes may contribute to individual arrangements for safe sports and high performance.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the menstrual cycle on strength performance, training load, and subjective recovery in elite female weightlifters. A six-month observational study involving eight eumenorrheic female weightlifters (age: 24.5 ± 5.3 years; body weight: 72 ± 11 kg), with menstrual cycle phases identified through diaries and daily temperature measurements. Saliva samples were collected every two days for three months to confirm eumenorrheic cycles. Back squat strength was assessed during training sessions using an inertial measurement unit (ENODE Sensor). Subjective recovery was evaluated via the Short Recovery and Stress Scale. Out of 32 potential cycles, 24 (75%) were recorded, with a mean cycle length of 27.0 ± 2.5 days. No direct impact of menstrual cycle phases on back squat performance was found. However, during moderate training weeks, a significant performance decrease was observed in the late luteal phase compared to the early follicular phase and during low training weeks. Short Recovery and Stress Scale scores showed no significant changes across phases. The menstrual cycle alone does not significantly affect strength capacity or perceived recovery in elite weightlifters. However, strength performance is significantly reduced in the late luteal phase when training load is moderate. Further studies should examine the menstrual cycle's interaction with other influencing factors.
Olympic weightlifting is a sport that requires high levels of force production, technical skill, and intermuscular coordination. The effects of strength training during adolescence on performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses are critically important for athlete health and development. This study investigated the effects of different strength training methods on snatch (SN) and clean & jerk (C&J) performance, anaerobic power levels, and selected hormonal parameters in young male weightlifters. A total of 32 male weightlifters participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: undulating strength training (UG) (age: 17.6 ± 1.6 years), serial strength training (SG) (age: 16.9 ± 1.3 years), maximal strength training (MG) (age: 17.3 ± 1.4 years), and a control group (CG) (age: 17.1 ± 1.2 years). The experimental groups underwent sport-specific strength training five days per week for eight weeks. The performance assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for the SN and C&J lifts, whereas the anaerobic power was measured via the vertical jump test. Hormonal parameters were analyzed via a chemiluminescent autoanalyzer. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANCOVA to assess group × time effects. All strength-training groups showed clear improvements in snatch and clean & jerk performance over the eight-week period, whereas the control group showed no meaningful change. Anaerobic power values remained largely stable, with no notable pre-post differences in any group. Hormonal analyses showed that insulin, GH, TT and TSH levels did not change substantially across the intervention, while IGF-1 levels decreased in the UG, MG and control groups; however, these fluctuations were similar across groups and did not reflect a distinct effect of any specific training method. Different strength-training approaches effectively improved snatch and clean & jerk performance in young weightlifters, whereas anaerobic power showed minimal change and hormonal responses were limited, with no protocol producing distinct endocrine effects; these results underscore the need to tailor strength-training programs to individual developmental profiles to support long-term performance and athlete health. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07088627, registered on 18/07/2025. Retrospectively registered.
Background: Weightlifters commonly use upper-extremity high-load training, which encompasses techniques ranging from momentary failure to non-failure. However, little is known about how this training affects posture and core endurance, despite knowing that these factors are risk factors for weightlifting injuries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the immediate effects of upper-extremity high-load training to momentary failure versus non-failure, using the dumbbell overhead press, on posture and core endurance in recreational collegiate weightlifters. Methods: Fifty recreational weightlifters aged 18-24 with two years of upper extremity resistance training experience were recruited for this study. The participants performed dumbbell overhead press exercises under high-load failure (HL-F) and high-load non-failure (HL-NF) conditions two days after 1RM testing and calculation of the 80% 1RM load. The study analyzed postural changes using photographic data processed in Kinovea, while core endurance was assessed during a prone plank test. Standardized warm-ups, controlled exercise execution, and pre- and post-exercise assessments were conducted to measure core endurance and postural alterations. Results: The thoracic kyphosis angle, together with scapular balance angle and lateral scapular slide distance, increased significantly after HL-F compared to the unloading state, while the craniovertebral angle and prone plank time decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The HL-NF condition showed no statistically significant differences relative to the unloading measurements (p > 0.05). The unloading measurements across testing days were consistent, indicating no carryover effect (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that high-load training to failure adversely affects posture and core endurance, increasing fatigue and potentially increasing the risk of acute injuries. Non-failure training maintains stability, underscoring the importance of strategic program design for achieving optimal performance while minimizing adverse effects.
Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among women practicing sports, particularly those involving heavy lifting or high-impact movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure. UI can negatively affect social life, self-confidence, and motivation to remain active. This study aimed to examine the associations of sociodemographic, training-related, obstetric, and surgical factors with UI in female weightlifters. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 84 French women who regularly practiced weightlifting. Participants completed a structured questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and gynecological information, as well as the Urinary Symptom Profile (USP). Data were analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test, as applicable. A 95% confidence level was adopted for all analyses. Results: Among participants (aged 15-49 years), 51 (60.7%) reported involuntary urine leakage, and 31 (36.9%) scored 1-3 on the USP stress incontinence subscale. Most participants were non-smokers (73.8%), with a median of 3.5 years of weightlifting experience, four weekly training sessions, and six-seven competitions per year. No significant associations were found between UI and sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, previous surgeries, or training characteristics. Maximal lifts in Clean & Jerk and Snatch exercises were also similar between participants with and without UI. Slight trends suggested a higher UI prevalence among women with vaginal deliveries, episiotomies, or vaginal lacerations. Regarding athletes with and without UI, no differences were found (p > 0.05) with respect to weightlifting belt use or the breathing phase during load lifting. Conclusions: UI is common among female weightlifters, but in this study, was not associated with sociodemographic factors or weightlifting practices. These findings indicate that UI prevalence cannot be explained by the variables studied and highlight the need for further research into other potential contributing factors.
This study aimed to investigate the success factors of split jerks from a kinematic perspective among Japanese national-level male weightlifters by analyzing barbell trajectories and lifter's motion. Among the participants of the all Japan weightlifting championships, 13 athletes were selected for analysis. Each met the criteria of successfully performing a jerk attempt after a failed attempt due to a frontward barbell drop with the same weight. Using motion analysis of recorded videos, the kinematics of the barbell, angles of the lower-limb joints, and trunk during the jerk were calculated and compared between successful and unsuccessful lifts. No significant differences were observed in the vertical and horizontal velocity of the barbell. However, the backward displacement in the catch phase and throughout the jerk was significantly greater for successful lifts than for unsuccessful lifts (P < .05, Cohen's d > 0.50). Furthermore, the range of motion of the trunk and the peak extension velocity of the hip and trunk in the drive phase were significantly greater in successful lifts than in unsuccessful lifts. By contrast, the peak knee flexion angular velocity in the dip phase was significantly greater in unsuccessful lifts compared with successful ones (P < .05, Cohen's d > 0.50). These results suggest that moving the barbell backward widely is one of success factors of the split jerk, which may have been influenced by the trunk movement associated with the hip extension motion. In addition, rapid knee flexion during the dip phase may reduce the likelihood of a successful split jerk.
Accurate assessment of joint range of motion (ROM) is essential in both clinical and athletic contexts for monitoring mobility, guiding rehabilitation, and optimizing performance. Traditional tools such as goniometers are widely used but limited by operator dependency and static measurement constraints. Depth-sensing technologies offer a markerless alternative that may enhance practicality in field-based settings. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Microsoft Azure Kinect system compared with a digital goniometer for assessing hip and knee ROM in 30 elite female weightlifters from the Turkish National Team. Participants performed hip abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, and knee flexion, each measured using both tools. Agreement between systems was assessed using Pearson's correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC (3,1)], and Bland-Altman analyses. No significant differences were found between methods (p > 0.05), with strong correlations (r = 0.974-0.997) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.994-0.998), indicating excellent consistency. Bland-Altman analyses showed minimal bias and narrow limits of agreement. These findings support the Azure Kinect as a valid and reliable tool for lower-extremity ROM assessment and a viable alternative to traditional goniometers in field applications.
Entrapment of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm (LCNF), the terminal sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve, is rare and often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of lateral forearm paresthesia and anterior elbow pain. This study describes a cohort of competitive weightlifting athletes with LCNF neuropathy due to biceps tendon compression, who underwent surgical decompression after failed conservative treatment. We reviewed cases treated between 2009 and 2019 at a single orthopaedic center. Inclusion criteria were a clinical diagnosis of LCNF neuropathy (based on a positive Tinel sign lateral to the biceps tendon and paresthesia in the lateral forearm), a magnetic resonance imaging scan excluding other conditions, participation in competitive weightlifting, and failure of conservative treatment lasting ≥3 months. Outcome measures included symptom resolution, Tinel sign status, return to sport, and complications. There were 5 male athletes (mean age, 28 years; range, 23-34) with LCNF entrapment lateral to the biceps tendon at the antecubital fossa. The mean interval from symptom onset to surgery was 12.8 months (range, 8-18). Mean follow-up was 74 months (range, 50-100). Within a month of the operation, all patients had complete symptom resolution and a negative Tinel sign and resumed competitions at their preinjury level. No complications occurred. LCNF entrapment should be considered in athletes performing repetitive elbow extension and pronation who present with unexplained lateral forearm paresthesia. When conservative measures fail, surgical decompression is safe, reproducible and has excellent long-term outcomes. Level IV, Case Series, Prognostic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 16-week integrated rehabilitation-training intervention for an elite female weightlifter with chronic low back pain (CLBP), focusing on optimizing biomechanical and clinical synergy to address pain-performance conflicts and restore her competitive capacity. A case-study framework was employed with a structured three-phase protocol: pain modulation, neuromuscular re-education, and sport-specific loading. Multidimensional assessments were conducted throughout the intervention, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance Test (YBT), joint range of motion (ROM), isokinetic strength testing, and sport-specific performance metrics. Dynamic periodization was applied to ensure progressive adaptation, with an emphasis on core stability, strength symmetry, and kinetic chain efficiency. indicated substantial improvements: VAS scores reduced by 76 % (from 7.8 to 1.9), FMS scores increased by 28.6 % (from 14 to 19), YBT asymmetry normalized to <8 %, hip flexion symmetry restored to within 5°, and hip extension torque improved by 22.3 % (from 218 N to 266 N). The athlete returned to competition, surpassing her pre-injury total lift by 7 kg and winning a national championship. The rehabilitation-training integration strategy, combining biomechanical correction and neuromuscular optimization, effectively addressed the athlete's CLBP. By focusing on core stability, restoring strength symmetry, and improving movement patterns, the intervention facilitated pain reduction, tissue healing, and sport-specific performance restoration. This approach provides a validated framework for managing chronic injuries in strength sports, offering valuable insights for rehabilitation and performance enhancement in elite athletes.
Background: This study examined the associations between dynamic maximum strength (front squat [FS] and clean [CL]), lower-limb vertical force-velocity (F-V) profile characteristics, and both absolute and scaled measures of competitive weightlifting performance in trained weightlifters. Methods: Fourteen competitive male weightlifters (age: 27.6 ± 4.2 years; height: 1.74 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 85.1 ± 6.7 kg; body fat: 11.7 ± 2.8%) completed three testing sessions separated by 48-72 h, including 1-RM assessment in the FS and CL, as well as vertical countermovement jump trials to determine individual force-velocity profile parameters (F0, V0, and Pmax). Official competition results obtained within the same competitive season were recorded for the snatch (SN), clean and jerk (C&J), total (TOT), and Sinclair score. Participants were additionally divided into higher and moderate jump performance groups using a median split of unloaded countermovement jump height. Results: Very strong correlations were found between 1-RM strength (FS and CL) and weightlifting performance, with CL showing the strongest associations with SN (r = 0.82), C&J (r = 0.93), and TOT (r = 0.94). Among F-V parameters, V0 and Pmax were significantly associated with competitive outcomes (r = 0.63-0.70), whereas F0 was not. V0 was significantly associated with SN (r = 0.69), C&J (r = 0.63), and TOT (r = 0.70), while F0 showed trivial-to-small associations (r = 0.08-0.28). When participants were divided using a median split of CMJ height, higher jumpers exhibited greater V0 (3.02 ± 0.30 vs. 2.61 ± 0.23 m·s-1, p = 0.014, g = 1.4) and relative Pmax (32.44 ± 2.65 vs. 27.28 ± 1.06 W·kg-1, p = 0.001, g = 2.4), despite similar F0 (p = 0.67). Higher jumpers also demonstrated superior SN (p = 0.016, g = 1.4), C&J (p = 0.041, g = 1.1), TOT (p = 0.018, g = 1.4), and Sinclair scores (p = 0.001, g = 2.1). Conclusions: In trained weightlifters, performance was strongly associated with maximal strength, while velocity- and power-oriented characteristics (V0 and Pmax) were also associated with performance outcomes. In contrast, F0 showed no meaningful associations with performance within this sample. These findings suggest that, among already strength-trained athletes, the ability to express force at higher contraction velocities may be associated with differences in competitive performance.
Elite training induces profound physiological adaptations, yet whether these changes manifest as stable circulating proteomes remains unclear. This study characterized serum proteomic profiles in male and female Olympic-level athletes to identify biomarkers associated with long-term endurance and strength training. Cross-sectional study in Olympic-level athletes and sedentary controls. Resting serum samples were collected from male and female marathon runners and weightlifters (with 5-15 years of training), alongside age- and sex-matched sedentary individuals. Proteomic profiling was performed using tandem mass spectrometry. Data were processed with MaxQuant and analyzed using Perseus. Selected proteins were confirmed using antibody-based assays. Among 301 identified protein groups, 36 showed significant differences between groups. Apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) was elevated in athletes, particularly marathoners, suggesting cardiovascular adaptation to endurance training. Fibronectin 1 (FN1) was reduced in weightlifters, consistent with vascular remodeling associated with resistance training. Marathoners exhibited higher levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D1 (GPLD1), and lower levels of galectin-3-binding protein (LGAS3BP) and leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), indicating immunomodulatory effects of oxidative training. Weightlifters showed reduced levels of GPLD1 and extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), reflecting distinct remodeling pathways. FN1, APOA4, VWF, LGALS3BP and ECM1 levels were further confirmed. Endurance and resistance training elicit modality-specific serum proteomic adaptations that reflect vascular, endothelial, and hemostatic remodeling. These molecular signatures, observed in both sexes, highlight stable changes induced by chronic training and may inform cardiovascular prevention strategies and evidence-based approaches in sports science to optimize training and performance.
Roderick, K, Comfort, P, Suchomel, TJ, Swinton, PA, and Schoenfeld, BJ. Accentuate the negative? Effects of eccentric overload on muscular adaptations during split jerk performance. J Strength Cond Res 40(3): 255-264, 2026-We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) with the split jerk to enhance muscular adaptations of experienced weightlifters during an 8-week training cycle. Eighteen subjects with at least 1 year of consistent split jerk training were randomly assigned to an experimental group that used AEL training for the split jerk or a traditional loading group. Both training programs included weightlifting competition lifts and their derivatives, strength movements such as the back squat, and accessory exercises that targeted midline stability. Both groups trained the split jerk twice a week for 5 working sets per session and 3 repetitions per set, with AEL using weight releasers to unload at completion of the dip phase. Body composition, anthropometric, and 1 repetition maximum split jerk and back squat outcomes were assessed. Bayesian analyses including hierarchical models that produced summary standardized mean difference comparisons for each outcome category were performed. Results were uncertain, with estimates either close to zero (Pooled Strength z = 0.01 [95% CI: -0.30 to 0.26]) or tending to favor AEL (Pooled Body Composition z = 0.10 [95% CI: -0.12 to 0.27]; Pooled Anthropometry z = 0.07 [95%CI: -0.06 to 0.20]). In conclusion, we obtained insufficient data to clearly support hypotheses of superior muscular adaptations when applying AEL during split jerk training for an 8-week intervention compared with traditional methods in weightlifters. However, central estimates tended to indicate small effects favoring AEL, warranting further investigation with different training program designs, larger sample sizes, and longer intervention durations.
This study examined the reliability and accuracy of various velocity-based methods for predicting the snatch one-repetition maximum (1RM), with the purpose of evaluating the potential of movement velocity as an objective indicator for attempt selection in competitive weightlifting. Fourteen competitive adolescent male weightlifters (age: 15.9 ± 0.9 years; training experience: 5.1 ± 0.9 years) completed two testing sessions, each involving an incremental loading test with attempts at 50%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of their best snatch record from the past 30 days, followed by load increases until reaching their actual 1RM. Peak velocity (PV) was recorded for all lifts with a linear position transducer. The 1RM in the second session was predicted using the load-PV relationship derived from four loads, combined with either the actual or optimal minimal velocity threshold (MVT) obtained in the first session. Additionally, 1RM was estimated from PV recorded at single loads (50%, 70%, 80%, and 90% 1RM), using the individual %1RM-PV relationship established during the first session. Acceptable between-sessions reliability was observed for the actual 1RM, PV tested at single loads (50-90% 1RM), actual MVT, and optimal MVT (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.76-0.90, coefficient of variation = 1.82-3.31%). The actual MVT, optimal MVT and individual %1RM-PV relationship using 80% and 90% 1RM yielded acceptable and lower absolute errors (2.6-4.1 kg) compared to individual %1RM-PV relationship using 50% and 70% 1RM (6.2-9.9 kg). However, these methods exhibited proportional bias (p = 0.002-0.018). Furthermore, heteroscedasticity was observed for the actual MVT and 90% 1RM methods (p = 0.022-0.026). These results suggest that recording PV during warm-up sets prior to competition may serve as a complementary variable to support and refine opener selection in weightlifting competitions. However, weightlifting coaches should use this approach with caution, as it may not provide accurate snatch performance predictions for all athletes.
Weightlifting improves physical fitness; however, injuries can lead to impaired functionality and long-term complications. Data on weightlifting-related injuries are limited. To evaluate the epidemiologic trends of weightlifting-associated upper extremity injuries, further stratified by age. Descriptive epidemiologic study. This analysis used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, including all patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a primary upper extremity weightlifting injury between 2021 and 2024. Outcomes included patient demographic characteristics, final diagnosis, primary body region injured, and mechanism of injury (MOI). Patients were stratified into 4 age groups: pediatric (<18 years), young adult (18-39 years), middle-age (40-64 years), and geriatric (≥65 years). Chi-square tests and post hoc comparisons were used to evaluate categorical variables. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between age groups. Statistical significance was predetermined at <.05. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3189 upper extremity weightlifting injuries (national estimate [NE] = 127,667) were analyzed. Across all ages, sprain/strain (NE = 36,054; 26.2%), fracture/crush/avulsion (NE = 22,388; 15.8%), and laceration/puncture (NE = 9020; 7.2%) were the most common diagnoses. Injuries most frequently involved the shoulder (NE = 45,825; 33.8%), finger (NE = 32,398; 28.1%), and upper arm (NE = 7827; 8.8%). The most common MOIs were drop/crush injuries (NE = 34,757; 30.1%), pulling movements (NE = 14,232; 10.5%), and overhead movements (NE = 11,110; 8.3%). Pediatric patients were 2.5 times more likely to sustain finger injuries (odds ratio [OR], 2.536; 95% CI, 2.191-2.935; P < .001) and injuries from drop/crush mechanisms (OR, 2.484; 95% CI, 2.166-2.849; P < .001) compared with all other age groups. The geriatric age group was 2 times more likely to sustain injuries from pushing movements (OR, 2.037; 95% CI, 1.326-3.130; P < .001) compared with all other age groups. Sprain/strain and fracture/crush/avulsion were frequent upper extremity weightlifting injuries, often secondary to drop/crush injuries and overhead movements. Pediatric athletes were more likely to sustain finger and drop/crush injuries, whereas shoulder injuries affected all adult age groups. The low proportion of geriatric weightlifters suggests there may be underuse of a sport effective in combating osteoporosis. These insights into overall and age-specific injury patterns can help shape evidence-based recommendations to reduce the overall injury burden and promote safe resistance training.
Weightlifting is a common form of recreational activity that can place higher levels of stress on the shoulder joint and is of particular interest to many patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Despite the growing number of individuals receiving anatomic (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), recommendations regarding return to weightlifting remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to report the rate of return to weightlifting following primary shoulder arthroplasty and to evaluate postoperative function and performance outcomes. A retrospective review of a single institution's shoulder and elbow surgery repository identified patients who underwent aTSA, hemiarthroplasty (HA), or rTSA by a single fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon between February 2009 and August 2023. Patients who self-identified "weights" or "weight training" as a usual sport on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire at a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Demographics, surgical indications, range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures (ASES, Simple Shoulder Test, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, visual analog scale pain/function), and return to weightlifting status were analyzed and compared between anatomic (aTSA/HA) and reverse (rTSA) cohorts. Of the 200 shoulder arthroplasty patients self-identified as weightlifters, 184 patients (92%) met inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 66.6 ± 34.7 months. The mean age was 64.8 ± 8.1 years, and 76.6% were male. Overall, 70.1% of patients reported no difficulty performing their usual weightlifting activities, 21.7% reported some difficulty, 7.6% reported great difficulty, and only 1 patient (0.5%) was unable to participate. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of full return to weightlifting between patients treated with aTSA or HA and those treated with rTSA (74.3% vs. 56.8%, P = .10). Postoperative range of motion only differed for internal rotation (8 vs. 4, P = .001). Both cohorts achieved substantial postoperative improvements in ASES (mean 86.1 ± 16.8), SANE (83.4 ± 21.6), SST (10.3 ± 2.0), and VAS pain (1.3 ± 2.2) scores. Shoulder arthroplasty patients can expect a high likelihood of returning to weightlifting without difficulty, with excellent pain relief and functional improvement.
The purpose of the study was to jointly estimate the effects of body mass and age on the total of the sum of snatch and clean & jerk in weightlifting and to examine sex- and age-related performance decline in male and female Masters weightlifters. Generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape were used to estimate the distribution of the weightlifting total, based on world championships of Masters athletes 2018-2025 and checked for robustness during 2000-2025. The model ranks weightlifting performances on the same scale for both sexes across body mass and age. Among 4939 Masters weightlifting results (ages 35-92), a higher total correlated with a higher body mass, but this effect weakened with age (P < .001). Body mass (mean = 85.6 kg for males, 67.7 kg for females) had a 1.5 times larger impact on the total in males. The decline with age was steeper for females between ages 45 and 55 but otherwise similar to males. Scaled performances over 25 years (12,060 results) were stable over time in males but rose to a plateau from 2018 in females. Weightlifting performances based on the total can be ranked on the same scale for male and female Masters athletes. This method can be incorporated in competitions for mixed teams. It aids athletes, coaches, and health professionals in monitoring progress over time relative to the performance of age and body mass groups.
A recent study found that young power and weightlifters reported a high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) with urinary incontinence (UI) 50%, anal incontinence 80% and pelvic organ prolapse 23%. Performing "the knack", a voluntary pre-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), before and during stressful events, can prevent UI during coughing and daily activities. However, the effect of this manoeuvre has not been investigated during strenuous exercises. This study was aimed at investigating the feasibility of using the femfit® to measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and PFM pressure during strength exercises and at discovering if a voluntary pre-contraction of the PFMs can exceed increases in IAP during strength exercises. This was a short-term, cross-sectional, experimental study. Eleven participants were tested in squat, deadlift, leg press and curl up, performed in a random order with and without voluntary pre-contraction of the PFMs. Assessment of the ability to contract the PFMs was conducted by suprapubic 2D ultrasound. IAP and PFM pressure were measured with the femfit®. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to estimate differences in change between IAP and PFM pressure with and without voluntary pre-contraction during the strength exercises. No participants reported displacement or discomfort from the femfit® device. Voluntary pre-contraction of the PFMs did not exceed the rise in IAP during squat, deadlift, leg press and curl up. The PFM pressure was not significantly higher than the IAP during strength exercises. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate if systematic PFM training can improve the strength of the voluntary pre-contraction.
Return to sport and sport-specific performance following shoulder arthroplasty are not well-characterized, particularly in strength-based activities such as weightlifting. This study evaluates return-to-weightlifting rates, exercise-specific performance, and patient-reported outcomes following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) and anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). We conducted a multicenter analysis of patients from 24 American Shoulder Elbow Society (ASES) surgeons across 17 institutions who underwent rTSA or aTSA and completed sport-specific return to sport questionnaires. Study parameters were defined by the Delphi method, requiring 75% agreement for consensus. Data collected included pre- and post-operative participation, timing of return, and patient-reported outcomes on performance, frequency, enjoyment, and satisfaction relative to pre-operative status. Specific weightlifting abilities (bench press, bicep curl, overhead press, deltoid raise, and pushups) were assessed. Subgroup analyses included age- and sex-matched comparisons of rTSA and aTSA for glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) and rTSA for GHOA vs. rotator cuff arthropathy. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square or Fisher exact test, and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Among 175 weightlifters (mean follow-up of 23.3 ± 7.6 months), 93.1% returned to weightlifting and 79.4% reported maintained or improved performance. Most returned by 3-6 months (39.3%), with an additional 29.5% returning by 7-12 months. Propensity-matched analysis of 54 rTSA patients and 54 aTSA patients for GHOA found similar return rates (rTSA: 98.1% vs. aTSA: 96.3%, P > .999) and likelihood of improved or maintained performance (rTSA: 90.7% vs. aTSA: 79.6%, P = .176). However, rTSA patients were more likely to maintain or increase weightlifting frequency (90.7% vs. 72.2%, P = .026) and had higher improvement in deltoid raise ability (82.6% vs. 50.0%, P = .020). No significant differences were found in bench press, overhead press, biceps curls, or pushups. Within the rTSA cohort, GHOA patients reported greater post-operative enjoyment (95.6% vs. 76.0%, P = .021) and a percent who improved or maintained frequency (86.7% vs. 60.0%, P = .025) compared to rotator cuff arthropathy patients. Multivariate regression found no significant predictors of worse post-operative performance (all P > .05). Most patients resume weightlifting after shoulder arthroplasty, often maintaining or improving performance. Although outcomes are comparable by arthroplasty type, rTSA may afford better deltoid function and increased participation frequency. Additionally, pre-operative diagnosis appears to influence enjoyment and engagement following rTSA, despite similar improvements across specific exercises. These findings highlight the complex nature of recovery and the value of personalized pre-operative counseling.
Huang, Y, García-Ramos, A, Chen, Z, Li, Z, Yu, J, Geng, Y, Li, D, Jia, B, and LAM, W-K. The effect of weightlifting belt on the relative load-velocity relationship and one-repetition maximum prediction accuracy in the free-weight back squat. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study compared the relative load-velocity relationship between free-weight back squats performed with (SWB) and without (SNB) wearing a weightlifting belt, and examined the accuracy of the absolute load-velocity relationship to estimate SWB one-repetition maximum (1RM). Twenty-five resistance-trained athletes (14 men and 11 women) completed 2 sessions in both SWB and SNB conditions. The load-velocity relationship, modeled using both multiple-point (40, 55, 70, and 85% 1RM) and 2-point (40%, 85% 1RM) methods, was used to estimate SWB 1RM of the second session based on individual and average optimal minimum velocity thresholds from the first session. SWB significantly increased 1RM (119.2 ± 36.8 vs. 114.0 ± 34.9 kg; p < 0.001) and bar velocities across all 4 submaximal absolute loads (p = 0.006-0.026), but slightly reduced velocities at relative loads of 85-100% 1RM (p = 0.025-0.049). The velocities corresponding to different %1RM demonstrated acceptable reproducibility (mean coefficient of variation = 5.2%, mean intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85) and no significant differences between the multiple- and 2-point methods (p = 0.111-0.944). All approaches estimated SWB 1RM with low to moderate absolute percentage errors (4.2-5.2%). In conclusion, using a weightlifting belt does not substantially affect the %1RM-V relationship below 85%1RM and yields 1RM estimations with accuracy comparable with that previously reported for the SNB condition. The 2-point method combined with an optimal minimum velocity threshold provides a time-efficient approach for estimating 1RM and establishing the associated %1RM-V relationship in the free-weight back squat.
Puschkasch-Möck, S, Haff, GG, Behringer, M, and Wirth, K. Is mechanical power a valid and relevant parameter to control resistance training? J Strength Cond Res 40(3): 356-365, 2026-Theoretical models of the force-velocity and force-length relationships suggest that maximal mechanical power occurs at an intermediate load and velocity. This concept has led to the widespread use of optimal power load prescriptions in resistance training. This review critically evaluates whether mechanical power is a valid and relevant parameter for controlling resistance training, particularly in the context of improving athletic performance. Although several studies report neuromuscular adaptations after power-oriented training, the generalizability of these findings is limited by short intervention durations, participants with low training status, and inconsistent measurement protocols. Moreover, methodological limitations in estimating mechanical power during complex, multijoint movements raise doubts about its physiologic and functional validity. Evidence from research in biomechanics, muscle architecture, and neural control indicates that maximal strength remains the dominant predictor of mechanical power production and sport performance. The concept of training at the optimal power load fails to account for sport-specific demands, individual force-velocity characteristics, and the principle of task specificity. Instead, a periodized approach prioritizing maximal strength development, followed by ballistic and speed-oriented exercises, is recommended for long-term power development. In conclusion, although mechanical power may offer some value for short-term monitoring or block structuring, it lacks the robustness and specificity required for load control in performance-oriented resistance training.