CAMERA researchers are raising the bar on new performance testing methods by exploring novel approaches to assess Weightlifters Biomechanics in the wild.  

Validating a commercially available markerless recording system is a crucial first step towards providing weightlifters with information on their performance. With accurate data they and their coaches can more confidently know what they need to do to become stronger, faster and less injured in their favourite sport. 

This research is the first of its kind in the UK. It is being led by CAMERA researcher Dr Steffi Colyer and CAMERA Studio Engineer (and weightlifting enthusiast) Harry Davies and builds on many years of applied sports biomechanics research CAMERA has showcased. 

Using multiple highspeed calibrated video cameras, researchers are imaging male and female athletes, across different weight classes and age groups. Using traditional and novel performance capture methods the data is being used in 3 ways: biomechanical feedback to the athletes, the creation of a unique data set and the validation of the proposed novel methods.  

Each lift is recorded at 200fps with 8 video cameras, 12 infrared cameras and 4 force plates. The lifter is covered with 70 retroreflective markers and the barbell with a marker on each end (Image 1), the markers are placed on anatomical landmarks and allow researchers to understand the movement of the athlete during the lift with regard to highly accurate movements from each bodily segment and the forces that underpin it (Image 2). 

Synchronised motion and ground reaction force data are combined, allowing researchers to understand the motion and forces the athletes produces to lift the bar. Initially, the traditional method of motion capture is used here, but system agreement testing will take place to see how well a commercially available pose estimator (Theia) can estimate the observed motions from video data allow. This input data are then used to model the musculoskeletal forces acting on the body as a system of rigid links. Specialised software is used to allow researchers to calculate kinematics, such joint angles, and kinetics, such as peak power. Using both athlete’s kinematics and kinetics we can dive deeper into the data, understanding specific joint loadings during the lift, which is currently not well understood, in such a diverse sample.  

Participants are given a biomechanical report for their participation, which shows barbell trajectory, the forces they have produced, and the sum of these forces acting on the lower limb joints (hip, knee & ankle). This can be used to show how much force is being transmitted across the knee for example in the second pull, where the most force is produced.  

Researchers hope that in the long run, this sort of information will allow athletes to gain a better understanding of how they have moved and any strength or technical changes they may wish to make which may allow them to lift more weight.  

In the future the researchers hope this data set allows more research within Olympic weightlifting to take place, removing the barrier of data collection and paving the way for new method of performance assessments to be used at a large scale within Olympic Weightlifting.  

The researchers are looking forward to welcoming more athletes to participate in the new year – if you are interested in being involved then please do get in touch. 

Weightlifters participating must meet the 2024 British Universities entry standards and complete two repetitions of the snatch (lifting the barbell from the floor to overhead), and Clean and Jerk (lifting the barbell from the floor to shoulder then shoulder to overhead) at 75,80,85% of 1RM. 

For any further questions please contact lead researchers, Harry Davies [email protected] or Dr Steffi Colyer [email protected].  

Article co-written with Harry Davies.