Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2027)                   J Sport Biomech 2027, 12(4): 824-853 | Back to browse issues page


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Ghanim S R. Competitive Level Modulates Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Responses to Acute Clean-and-Jerk Fatigue: Elite versus Sub-Elite Weightlifters. J Sport Biomech 2027; 12 (4) :824-853
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-574-en.html
College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq.
Abstract:   (37 Views)
Objective To determine whether competitive level influences acute fatigue-related neuromuscular and biomechanical responses during the clean and jerk.
Methods Twenty-eight competitive weightlifters were classified a priori into elite (n = 14) and sub-elite (n = 14) groups. Participants performed four sets of three clean-and-jerk repetitions at 75% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 90 s of rest between sets. Post-fatigue assessments included ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), capillary blood lactate concentration, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, synchronized surface electromyography (sEMG), and three-dimensional joint and barbell kinematics. Group × Time interaction p-values were adjusted using the Holm procedure within prespecified outcome families.
Results Blood lactate concentrations increased in both groups, with no significant Group × Time interaction (Holm-adjusted p = 0.142). The RPE interaction was not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (Holm-adjusted p = 0.076). Sub-elite weightlifters exhibited greater reductions in CMJ height and peak power (Holm-adjusted p = 0.006 and 0.004, respectively). Rectus femoris median frequency (RF-MDF) decreased more markedly in sub-elite weightlifters (−18.4 vs. −11.3 Hz; Holm-adjusted p = 0.004), accompanied by a greater increase in muscle onset-time variability (+11.8 vs. +3.2 ms; Holm-adjusted p < 0.002). Fatigue-related declines in peak clean velocity, peak jerk velocity, and maximum barbell height during the clean, along with greater changes in horizontal barbell displacement, were more pronounced in sub-elite weightlifters (all Holm-adjusted p ≤ 0.016).
Conclusion Higher competitive level was associated with smaller fatigue-related impairments in neuromuscular timing, CMJ performance, and barbell mechanics. Findings related to joint angles, erector spinae median frequency, and muscle coactivation should be interpreted descriptively because complete interaction analyses were unavailable.
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2026/08/29 | Accepted: 2026/10/19 | Published: 2026/10/24

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