The influence of explosive lower limb performance, muscle mass, and training experience on Olympic weightlifting performance

Explosive lower limb performance, muscle mass, and training experience are considered critical factors in determining Olympic weightlifting performance, yet most studies have focused on single performance levels (such as elite-level athletes) or on only one or two of these performance factors. This study aimed to provide a more holistic analysis of these determinants by evaluating their influence across three performance levels: fitness-based weightlifting, competitive weightlifting, and national team athletes. Twenty-nine weightlifters (16 males, 13 females) participated, with performance assessed via the Sinclair score. Explosive lower limb performance was measured using countermovement jump (CMJ) height on a force plate, muscle mass was evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and training experience was calculated as a function of years, weeks, and weekly sessions. Multiple regression analysis identified CMJ height as the strongest predictor of the Sinclair score, followed by training experience, while muscle mass showed no significant influence. The model accounted for 66.7% of the variance in Sinclair scores, highlighting power and training experience as key performance drivers. These findings suggest that training programs should prioritize explosive lower limb performance development and training frequency to optimize weightlifting outcomes, while muscle mass appears to play a lesser role.