Determination of optimal load and rate of force development in different olympic lift variations

The aims of this study were to determine the differences in force, power and rate of peak force development applied at different loads in Olympic lift variations and to calculate the optimal load by finding the optimal power output at different loads. 10 male athletes (mean age, 25.5 ± 1.4 years; mean height, 182.1 ± 3.4cm; mass average; 84.5 ± 6.2kg; 1TM hang power clean weights; 84 ± 13.7), who had an exercise experience for at least three years and could apply Olympic lifting variations, were participated this study voluntarily. Athletes were asked to perform mid-thigh high pull (MTHP) and hang power clean (HPC) exercises at 60% -70% -80% and 90% loads according to their previously received '1 repetition maximum (RM) Hang power clean' performance. Qualisys Track Manager (Version 2.12) which was a three dimensional motion analysis software were used for collecting kinematic parameters during lifting performances. Reflector markers were attached to the athletes and T calibration method was used for the field calibration. The obtained kinematic data values such as velocity an acceleration, also power, force and rate of peak force development ratios were calculated and analyzed in SPSS 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) program. In findings, there were significant differences between the force, power and rate of peak force development between the two different variations of lifting (p<0.05). When the differences in force values between the two lifting variations were examined, a significant difference was also found. In power values, there were significantly differences at only 60% and 70% of 1RM values (p <0.05). Lastly, there were significant differences between the two variations of lifting in all loads except 60% of 1RM (p<0.05). As for the determination of the optimal load in selected exercises, another part of the study, the optimal load for Hang Power Clean was determined in 80% of 1RM and Mid-thigh High Pull in 70% of 1RM. In conclusion, according to the findings, it is clear that Olympic lifting variations produce high data in terms of force, power and rate of peak force development. As a result of the answers to the questions sought in the study, the data revealed that Olympic lifting variations for power development are ideal exercises for maximal power output and rate of force development. Also, its important for optimal load differences between exercises and speed-force development in athletes' training. It is recommended that athletes can use loads around 1RM<30% for speed-strength development and 1RM> 80% for strength-speed development to ensure optimal performance improvement. Keywords: Rate of force development, olympic lifting, optimal load