Barbell Trajectory Patterns and Successful Power Clean Execution: Insights From a Bivariate Functional Principal Component Analysis

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research
• Main Authors: Nagatani, Tsuyoshi, Vial, Shayne, Kendall, Kristina L, Comfort, Paul, Haff, G Gregory
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 10.06.2025
• Subjects: weightlifting; functional data analysis; kinematics; biomechanics
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005178

Nagatani, T, Vial, S, Kendall, KL, Comfort, P, and Haff, GG. Barbell trajectory patterns and successful power clean execution: Insights from a bivariate functional principal component analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-Coaches frequently analyze the bar path during weightlifting movements using graphical representations. Although this analysis method helps understand the biomechanics of weightlifting technique, researchers have not thoroughly examined how specific bar path patterns relate to successful power clean performance. Therefore, 25 strength-power athletes (height: 1.78 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 88.0 ± 15.0 kg, age: 27.2 ± 4.0 years, relative 1 repetition maximum [1RM] of power clean: 1.22 ± 0.16 kg·kg -1 , power clean experience range: 4.2 ± 2.1 years) were recruited from local weightlifting clubs to determine the barbell trajectory patterns that relate to successful power clean performance. All subjects completed a 1RM power clean test where barbell trajectory data from the heaviest successful lift and the heaviest unsuccessful lift were analyzed. A bivariate functional principal component analysis was applied to the extracted barbell trajectory data to determine whether these data could distinguish between successful and unsuccessful maximal power clean attempts. Successful power clean attempts were characterized by a higher vertical barbell displacement at the power position and a greater peak vertical velocity during the second pull, resulting in overall higher maximum vertical barbell displacement compared with unsuccessful attempts. Therefore, coaches should reinforce techniques that ensure that the barbell reaches a high point at the initiation of the second pull (i.e., power position). This can be related to achieving an overall high vertical barbell displacement at the end of the second pull and during the catch, which may enable athletes to lift heavier loads during maximal testing and daily training sessions.