Validity and Reliability of a Snatch Pull Test to Model the Force-Velocity Relationship in Male Elite Weightlifters

Sandau, I, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Validity and reliability of a snatch pull test to model the force-velocity relationship in male elite weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2808-2815, 2022-This study examined the concurrent validity and within-session reliability of parameters describing the force-velocity relationship (FvR) such as maximal force, velocity, power, and the theoretical one repetition maximum snatch performance (snatch(th)) during the snatch pull. The FvR was assessed using the multiple-load (FvR(m)) approach and the 2-load (FvR(2)) approach. Eight male elite weightlifters from the German national team executed the snatch pull in 2 separate experiments. For the concurrent validity assessment (experiment one), during the snatch pull, 7 loads from 70 to 100% were lifted to compute the FvR(m), and 2 loads (70 and 100%) were lifted to compute the FvR(2). For the reliability assessment (experiment 2), a test-retest protocol for the FvR(2) was conducted. Input FvR parameters were determined from video-based barbell tracking. Results indicated no differences (all p > 0.05; all d <= 0.07) and extremely large correlations (all r >= 0.91) between the FvR(m) and FvR(2) parameters. The within-session reliability of FvR(2) parameters was excellent (all intraclass correlation coefficient >= 0.97; SEM% <= 1.23%). The percentage smallest real difference (SRD95%) of FvR(2) parameters ranged between 1.89 and 3.39%. In summary, using the snatch pull to model FvR(2) parameters is a valid and reliable approach that can easily be integrated into elite weightlifters' daily training routines.