Demands of the Kettlebell Snatch Submitted by James Alexander Ross BHS, MExSci A thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Exercise Science (Research) School of Exercise Science Faculty of Health Sciences Australian Catholic University i Statement of Authorship and Sources This thesis contains no material published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part from a thesis by which I have qualified for or been awarded another degree or diploma. No parts of this thesis have been submitted towards the award of any other degree or diploma in any other tertiary institution. No other person‟s work has been used without due acknowledgment in the main text of the thesis. All research procedures reported in the thesis received the approval of the relevant Ethics/Safety Committees (where required). Further paragraphs will be included in the Statement of Authorship and Sources if applicable, specifying: (a) the extent of collaboration with another person or persons (b) the extent and the nature of any other assistance (e.g. statistical analysis, computer programming, editing) received in the pursuit of the research and preparation of the thesis. ___________________________ __________________ James Alexander Ross Date ii Acknowledgements There are so many people I need to thank, without whom this thesis would not have been possible to complete. Over the five years that I have worked on this research, many major life events have taken place. I closed one business and opened another, had shoulder surgery and even got married. Throughout this time my family, friends and supervisors were very patient and supportive. To my lovely wife Laura, thank you for your tireless support - this wouldn‟t have been possible without your help. Thank you to my ever supportive parents Elizabeth and Peter, who always encouraged me to pursue my interests and believed in me. To Angus – I am so grateful for your time and help with data analysis. Chris – thank you for shaping me into the student that I have become. I am so appreciative of your patience, the long chats, and freedom you gave me in my research endeavours. To Cam – your assistance navigating VICON was crucial in my research. Thank you for your assistance in preparing my manuscripts, and helping to guide me through this process. Thank you to Justin for agreeing to lend your expertise. Your time and effort has been invaluable to me, and a huge component my research. Thank you to all the ACU students and staff, particularly Jeri and Stu for reviewing my thesis. Lastly, a big thank you to Brett for his assistance throughout my candidature. iii Table of Contents List of Publications Related to this Thesis ..............................................................................................vii List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................ viii List of Tables .......................................................................................................................................... ix List of Abbreviations and Nomenclature ................................................................................................ x Prefix and Context .................................................................................................................................. xi Abstract .................................................................................................................................................. xii Chapter 1 - Introduction and Overview .................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 2 - Review of Literature ............................................................................................................. 4 2.1 Kettlebell Snatch and Swing Technique .................................................................................. 5 2.2 Starting Position and Overview of the Kettlebell Snatch ............................................. 6 2.3 Downwards Phase of the Kettlebell Snatch .................................................................. 7 2.4 Upwards Phase of the Kettlebell Snatch ...................................................................... 7 2.5 Kettlebell Snatch Compared to Barbell and Dumbbell Snatch ..................................... 9 2.6 Energy Systems and Kettlebell Exercise ................................................................................ 10 2.7 Kettlebell Swing Kinetics and Kinematics ............................................................................. 14 2.9 Rationale .............................................................................................................................. 18 Chapter 3 - Study 1: Snatch Trajectory of Elite Level Girevoy (Kettlebell) Sport Athletes and its Implications to Strength and Conditioning Coaching ........................................................................... 19 3.1 Abstract ................................................................................................................................. 20 3.2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 21 3.3 Method ................................................................................................................................. 26 3.3.1 Testing Procedures ................................................................................................. 26 3.3.2 Participants .............................................................................................................. 26 3.3.3 Procedures ............................................................................................................... 27 3.3.4 Statistical Analyses................................................................................................... 29 iv 3.4. Results .................................................................................................................................. 30 3.4.1 Trajectory ................................................................................................................. 30 3.4.2 Ratios and Displacement ......................................................................................... 32 3.4.3 Velocity .................................................................................................................... 33 3.4.4 Movement Variability .............................................................................................. 35 3.5 Discussion ............................................................................................................................. 37 3.5.1 Conclusion................................................................................................................ 41 3.5.2 Practical Application ................................................................................................ 42 3.5.3 Limitations ............................................................................................................... 43 3.5.4 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. 43 Chapter 4 - Study 2: External kinetics of the kettlebell snatch in amateur lifters ................................ 44 4.1 Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 45 4.2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 47 4.3 Methods ............................................................................................................................... 50 4.3.1 Study Design ............................................................................................................ 50 4.3.2 Subjects .................................................................................................................... 50 4.3.3 Procedures ............................................................................................................... 51 4.3.4 Statistical Analyses................................................................................................... 53 4.4 Results .................................................................................................................................. 54 4.5 Discussion ............................................................................................................................. 61 4.5.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 65 4.6 Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................ 65 Chapter 5 - Discussion ........................................................................................................................... 66 5.1.1 Limitations ......................................................................................................................... 70 4.1.2Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 71 4.1.3 Future Research Directions ................................................................................................ 71 Chapter 5 – References ........................................................................................................................