Relationship Between Kinetic and Kinematic Measures of the Countermovement Jump and National Weightlifting Performance

Abstract Purpose The association between vertical jump and weightlifting performance have been well established often using discrete performance measures such as jump height or peak power which provides little insight into temporal strategies. The purpose of this investigation was to identify currently unassessed temporal countermovement jump metrics and their reliability and relationship to national weightlifting performance. Methods A total of 42 national weightlifting athletes ( n = 30 females and 12 males), were recruited for this study. Countermovement jump was measured using a force plate following a national and international competition. Vertical ground reaction force and time data were analyzed using a custom script where temporal metrics relating to specific phases of the jump were extracted. Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total weightlifting performance was obtained following each competition. Reliability of jump metrics were determined using coefficient of variation and interclass correlation coefficient. A Spearman’s Rho, non-parametric bivariate correlation was used to determine the relationship between the jump metrics and weightlifting performance. Results From a total of 15 metrics, 13 were deemed reliable, with propulsive impulse showing the greatest level of reliability. Correlational analysis showed strong to very strong ( r = 0.676–0.817) relationships between all absolute measures of weightlifting performance and propulsive impulse for both women and men. Conclusion This novel finding suggests that practitioners may wish to use propulsive impulse as it may provide more insight into changes of force capabilities following training. Additionally, it may also be used as a talent identification tool given its strong relationship to performance.