Biomechanical Analysis of the Deadlift

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to document the differences in kinematics between the Sumo and conventional style deadlift techniques as performed by competitive powerlifters. Videotapes of 19 conventional and 10 Sumo contestants at two regional New Zealand powerlifting championships were analyzed. It was found that the Sumo lifters maintained a more upright posture at liftoff compared to the conventional lifters. The distance required to lift the bar to completion was significantly reduced in the Sumo technique. No significant difference was found between the techniques as to where the sticking point (first decrease in vertical bar velocity) occurred.