A COMPARISON OF METHODS TO CALCULATE THE OPTIMAL LOAD FOR MAXIMAL POWER OUTPUT IN THE POWER CLEAN

##article.abstract##

The aim of this study was to compare three calculation methods to determine the load that maximises power output in the power clean. Five male athletes (height=179.8 10.5cms, weight 91.8 8.8kg. power clean 1RM = 117.0 20.5kg) performed two power cleans at 10% increments from 50% to 100% of 1RM. Bar displacement data was collected using a Ballistic Measurement System (BMS) and vertical ground reaction lorce (VGRF) data was measured by a Kistler 9287B Force Plate. Power output was calculated for BMS (system mass), BMS (bar mass) and VGRF/BMS system mass. Optimal load was determined to be 70% for the BMS (system mass) and VGRF 8MS (system mass) methods and 90% for the BM3 (bar mass) method. Sports scientists should be aware of the technical issues underlying these findings due to the practical ramifications for athlete testing and training.