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The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze kinematic differences between competitive collegiate (CLG, n = 9) powerlifters, competitive high school (HS, n = 9) powerlifters, and novice (NV, n = 11) powerlifters during a maximal squat to determine the effect of skill level on performance. All powerlifters performed 3 squats, with the final squat being their 1 repetition maximum. Kinematic data (descent, ascent, total lift times, knee angle magnitude, knee angular velocity, and knee angular acceleration) was measured using 2-dimensional motion analysis equipment. Differences in mean peak kinematic values between the 3 groups were analyzed using a 1-way multivariate analysis of variance, p [less than or equal to] 0.05. Differences were found between the NV and HS in the time to ascent, the total lift time, the normalized time to peak (NTTP) in knee angular velocity from the 'sticking point' to the 'lockout,' and the NTTP in knee angular acceleration during the ascent. A difference was found between the CLG and HS in the peak knee angular velocity between the bottom of the lift and the sticking point. Differences were also found in the rate of acceleration upward after coming out of 'the hole' between the CLG and NV and CLG and HS. A difference was found in the rate of peak deceleration upward to the sticking point between the CLG and NV. To avoid injury and to achieve optimum results in powerlifting, lifting technique must be optimized. The HS and NV accumulated several significant differences in NTTP during the ascending phase. However, the major finding between the 3 groups was in the rate of acceleration upward after coming out of the hole. Coaches should focus their training programs on increasing strength in unskilled powerlifters for the purpose of increasing acceleration from the bottom of the lift. KEY WORDS powerlifting, biomechanics, technique, motion analysis, skill level

The primary objective of this study was to investigate current powerlifting training methods in light of anecdotal evidence purporting increased similarity with the explosive training practices of weightlifters. The study also assessed the prevalence of contemporary training practices frequently recommended for powerliflers in the popular literature. A 20-item survey was distributed to 32 elite British powerlifters at an International competition. The subject group included multiple national, international, and commonwealth champions and record holders. Based on 2007 competition results, the average Wilks score of the group was 450.26 [+ or -] 34.7. The response rate for the surveys was 88% (28 of 32). The survey was sectioned into 6 areas of inquiry: a) repetition speed, b) explosive training load, c) resistance materials used, d) adjunct power training methods, e) exercise selection, and f) training organization. The results demonstrate that the majority of powerlifters train with the intention to explosively lift maximal and submaximal loads (79 and 82%, respectively). Results revealed that 39% of the lifters regularly used elastic bands and that 57% incorporated chains in their training. Evidence for convergence of training practices between powerlifters and weightlifters was found when 69% of the subjects reported using the Olympic lifts or their derivatives as part of their powerlifting training. Collectively, the results demonstrate that previous notions of how powerlifters train are outdated. Contemporary powerlifters incorporate a variety of training practices that are focused on developing both explosive and maximal strength. KEY WORDS board pressi box squats, chains, compensatory acceleration, elastic bands, powerlifting

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of an 11 -week training period performed by female weightlifters. Two weeks before this investigation, baseline measures for total testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone:cortisol ratio were collected. The 11 -week training program consisted of the core exercises (i.e., clean, clean and jerk, and snatch) and other supplemental exercises (i.e., clean pull, snatch pull, squat, and front squat). Hormonal, isometric, and dynamic middle thigh pull force-time curve characteristics were assessed biweekly throughout the duration of the investigation, whereas volume load and training intensity were assessed weekly throughout the investigation. The testosterone:cortisol ratio of the baseline (1.19 [+ or -] 0.64) was significantly different from the ratio of weeks 1 (0.67 [+ or -] 0.36) and 9 (0.94 [+ or -] 0.66). When the week-to-week values were compared, week 1 (0.67 [+ or -] 0.36) was significantly different (P < 0.05; [[eta].sup.2] = 0.84) from week 3 (1.06 [+ or -] 0.54). A very strong correlation (r = -0.83; [r.sup.2] = 0.69) was found between the percentage change of the testosterone:cortisol ratio and volume load from weeks 1 to 11. Moderate to very strong correlations were noted between the percentage change in volume load and isometric peak force, peak force during the 30% isometric peak force trial, and peak force during the 100-kg trial during the 11 weeks of training. The primary finding of this study was that alterations in training volume load can result in concomitant changes in the anabolic-to-catabolic balance, as indicated by the testosterone:cortisol ratio, and the ability to generate maximal forces. KEY WORDS rate of force development, peak power, peak isometric force, testosterone, cortisol