The optimal load for maximal power output during hang power clean

What is it about?

Several studies have reported that the optimal load for hang power cleans (HPCs), an Olympic weightlifting exercise used by athletes for power enhancement, ranges from 65% to 80% of 1 rep maximum (1RM). To understand if and why a sub-maximal load really is optimal, we recorded the ground reaction force and bar/body kinematics. The optimal load was found to vary with the success criterion for the receiving position, with 80% 1RM optimal above the parallel squat position but 1RM optimal at the quarter squat position.

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Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

Why is it important?

It has been stated that the optimal load for Olympic weightlifting exercises that include the motion of receiving the bar is a sub-maximal load (65%-80% 1RM), and the inconsistencies were due to differences in the subjects’ strength, fatigue, and training stage. However, we revealed that the success criterion (quarter squat vs. parallel squat) is a determinant of the optimal load for HPC. These findings are important for selecting the appropriate % 1RM load when using HPCs for power training.