Biomechanical analysis of the snatch in youth weightlifters
Keywords:
Youth weightlifting; kinematic analysis; barbell trajectory; sports technique; ١RMAbstract
The aim of this study was to describe the changes in performance (1RM) and kinematic variables of the snatch in youth weightlifters before and after the application of a technical intervention program based on biomechanical principles (POBA-Youth). Using a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design (pretest-posttest in a single group), 10 youth weightlifters (mean age = 15.4 years; weight categories 44-65 kg) were evaluated. The one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, a technical observation checklist (content validity by expert judgment, no statistical coefficients reported), and a two-dimensional kinematic analysis using Kinovea software were applied. Results showed an average increase in 1RM of 10.2 kg (t = -14.33; p < .001). Descriptively, a 33.1% reduction in horizontal barbell displacement was observed, and the average technical quality score increased from 2.10 to 3.93 points. It is concluded that, after the intervention, improvements in performance and kinematic variables were recorded; however, the pre-experimental design and the absence of a control group impose caution in causal attribution and generalization of the findings.
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