Flywheel Training Effects on Power and Performance in Youth Olympic Weightlifters

Effects of Flywheel Inertial Training on Lower-Limb Power, Trunk Stability, and Olympic Weightlifting Performance in Youth Athletes

This study investigated the effects of flywheel inertial training on lower-limb power, trunk stability, and Olympic weightlifting performance in youth athletes. Eighteen youth Olympic weightlifters were allocated to a flywheel training group or a control group. Both groups continued their regular weightlifting training over a 10-week intervention period. The experimental group performed additional flywheel-based exercises twice weekly. Outcomes included measures of lower-limb power, trunk inclination during lifting, weightlifting performance, and technical error frequency.

This study investigated the effects of flywheel inertial training on lower-limb power, trunk stability, and Olympic weightlifting performance in youth athletes. Flywheel training is an eccentric-overload method that has been suggested to enhance neuromuscular adaptations, particularly in power and movement control. Eighteen youth Olympic weightlifters participated in this controlled intervention study and were allocated into a flywheel training group and a control group.

Both groups continued their regular Olympic weightlifting training program, which included technical practice of the snatch and clean, strength exercises, and general physical preparation. The experimental group additionally performed flywheel-based exercises twice per week over a 10-week training period. The intervention was progressively structured to ensure appropriate load adaptation and technical execution.

Outcome measures included assessments of lower-limb power, trunk inclination during lifting positions, performance in the snatch and clean, and technical error frequency. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were used to evaluate the effects of the training program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male youth Olympic weightlifters aged 13-17 years
• Actively participating in structured Olympic weightlifting training
• Technical ability to perform snatch and clean lifts
• Free from musculoskeletal injury at the time of participation
• Medically fit for resistance training and high-intensity exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of injury limiting participation in training or testing
• Absence rate greater than 20% of training or intervention sessions
• Participation in additional structured lower-limb eccentric or flywheel training outside the study program
• Any medical condition contraindicating resistance training