Biomechanical Characteristics of Movement Phases of Clean & Jerk Style in Weightlifting Performance

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of movement phases of Clean & Jerk style in weightlifting performance. This scientific approach has led to a study conducted during the European Junior Weightlifting Championships, Bucharest, 2011, on a group of 7 athletes, finalists of 56 kg class. The methodology of research focused on video recording, conversion of video capture into AVI format and the video biomechanical analysis of weightlifters’ performances by means of a specialized program named Physics ToolKit. Bottom of FormEach execution has shown the trajectories of the main joints involved in movement, highlighting the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of Clean & Jerk style phases. The comparative analysis of the biomechanical indicators of movement phases in terms of start, barbell drive to jerk, the jerk, getting under barbell, lifting from the rack, barbell catch over the head highlights the duration of phases, the execution speed and the force to overcome the resistance of the barbell. The study results revealed the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of movement phases of the Clean & Jerk style, especially the jerk, phases that had an influence on the performances achieved in competition.