Kettlebell Snatch and the transfer effects on

vertical jump performance and 1 mile run

time.
By paultitus - Posted on 29 January 2011
Thought I would post this incase anyone found it interesting. This was a report I did while
working on my B.S. fun assignment!
Abstract: A six week training program was conducted on one male subject in order to evaluate
the training response of kettlebell snatches and its transfer effects to vertical jump, and running.
Training was conducted with a 20kg kettlebell, 3x per week, at a training volume of 75 reps per
arm. Improvements were evident in both the specific mode of training (i.e.kettlebell snatches)
with a 30.6% improvement, as well as the generalized but similar mode of training (i.e. vertical
jump) with a 5.0% improvement. However, there was a -2.5% decrease in running performance.
This result suggests that kettlebell snatches can be used to improve vertical jump performance,
but not a mile run time.
Introduction: The following study explores the benefits of kettlebell training and its transfer
effects to vertical jump, and 1 mile run time. It has been demonstrated in various studies that
Olympic style weight lifting, and ballistic style lifts have been shown to improve vertical jump
performance (1, 5, 3, 6). The specificity training model suggests that exercises with similar
movement patters will elicit the greatest amount of performance improvement (2). Further more,
light ballistic resistance exercises have demonstrated the greatest potential for vertical jump
performance (2). In this study, training intensity was manipulated in order to progressively load
the neuromuscular system and force training adaptations (3). Considering the kettlebell snatch
requires similar biomechanical demands, as well as metabolic demands as the vertical jump, this
study hypothesizes that there will be a significant improvement in vertical jump performance.
This study also believes that there will be an improvement in run time upon the conclusion of the
training program. It has been demonstrated that explosive training has transfer effects to running
(4). By manipulated training variables such as rest intervals, and training volume per sets, this
study believes one can induce enough stress on the cardiovascular system, as well as produce
enough local adaptations in skeletal muscle (i.e. increased mitochondrial and capillary number,
fiber type transitions, and buffer capacity), (3) sufficient enough to show transfer effects on an
individuals 1 mile run time.
Methods:
Subject:
One 26 year old male, 59, 155lbs, with a body mass index of 22.9. The subject did not
participate in any other physical training during the six weeks training period. However, the

subject has a history in resistance training with kettlebelles, but has not trained with them for an
extended time frame before this study in order to influences the results.
Procedure:
Testing: The subject was tested in three different modes of exercise prior to engaging in the
training program; Kettlebell snatches, vertical jump, 1 mile run on treadmill.
Kettlebell snatch test: In a 2 minute time period complete as many kettlebell snatches a possible.
At the 1 minute mark the individual will switch hands while the kettlebell is in the lowered
position behind the gluts. The individual will then repeat the process for another minute with the
other hand. Repetitions will be counted in succession upon the switch until the 2minutes time
period has concluded.
Vertical jump: The individuals reach height will be taken against the vane apparatus. This is done
with the shoes off, flat footed, arms at full extension overhead directly under the vane apparatus.
Then the individual will displace the highest possible vane. The individual will then bend the
knees to approximately 90* angle while maintaining spinal alignment and lumbar integrity. The
individual must come to a complete stop before jumping. Arms will be at full extension behind
the individual. Once this position is reached, the individual will jump as high as possible
displacing the highest possible vane with a fully extended arm. To determine vertical jump
height, the height of the vane apparatus plus the height of the vane displacement will be added
together. Form the answer of vane apparatus + vane displaced, one will subtracted the individuals
reach height in order to determine vertical jump.
.
1 mile run: Individual will run 1 mile as fast as possible for time.
Training: The six week training mode was conducted with a 20kg kettlebell, at a frequency of 3x
per week. While the overall work volume (or intensity of effort) remained the same at 75 total
snatched per arm, aspects of the duration such as; rest periods were decreased; and volume per
set was increased (see table below).
Weeks 1 and 2 20kg kettlebell snatches in sets of 15, 15, 13, 12, 10, 10, with 1 minute 30seconds
rest between sets.
Week 3 and 4 20kg kettlebell snatches in sets of 20, 15, 15, 15, 10
1 minute and 30 seconds rest will be taken between the first and second set. Between the 3rd and
fourth set on 1 minute rest will be allowed.
Week 5 20kg kettlebell snatches in sets of 20, 20, 15, 10, 10
1 minute and 30 secounds rest will be taken between sets 1 and 2, and 1 minute rest time
between 3 and 4.
Week 6 20kg kettlebell snatches in sets of 25, 25, 15, 10
1 minute rest will be allowed between each set.
Apparatus and Measurement:

Kettlebell Snatch: A 20kg kettlebell was used for the snatch test. Time was kept by another
individual in order to insure the two minute time limit of the test was managed accurately. The
setting of this training program took place inside the subjects living room. Strength, power, and
improved fitness was measured by an increase in repetition max in 2 minutes at the end of the
training program.
Vertical jump: The vertical jump was assessed on a vane apparatus. The testing took place at a
local gym where such training equipment was found. Power was reassessed at the end of the 6
week training program, and was defined in the increase in distance between the individuals feet
and ground during the jump.
1 mile run: The 1 mile run was assessed in a treadmill at the local gym. The individual was told
to run 1 mile as fast as possible. The improvement in aerobic fitness was assessed after the 6
week training program, and was defined by the improvement in time it took to complete the mile.
Design and Analysis:
The vertical jump and 1 mile run where conducted on the same day, in the same sequence as
worded. One day rest was given before the snatch test was conducted. In order to accurately
evaluate training results, the following formula was used; [(post test pre test) / pre test]. In
order to accurately evaluate transfer effects results were calculated with the following formula;
(result gain of similar mode/result gain of specific mode) and (result gain of dissimilar mode /
result gain of specific mode).
Results:
In the table below are the results of the pre and post test anthropometric measurements.
Although, these values were not part of evaluating the training results, these values can possibly
add insight and help explain the reason for the training results. As shown below, one can clearly
see a significant change in body fat, lean body weight, and at free weight. These results suggest,
that 6 weeks of ballistic training can increase lean muscle mass and muscular hypertrophy
(4,3,6).
Table 1:
Pre Training Post Training Post Pre (Post-Pre)/Pre
(%)
Date 09/11/09
Sex male
Age (years) 26 26
Stature (in) 69 69 69 69
Weight (lb) 155.6 160 4.4 2.8%
Body Mass Index (kg*m-2) 22.9 23.7 .8 3.4%
Body Fat (%) 13.9 5.4 -8.5 -61.1%
Lean Body Weight (lb) 141 159 18 12%
Fat-Free Weight (lb) 136.1 154.6 20.5 15%

In table 2 (below), displays the pre and post training values, as well as the percent change.
Adaptation Categories Pre Test Training Post Test Post - Pre (Post-Pre)/Pre
(%)
Specific Mode
20kg Kettelbell Snatch 49 64 15 30.6%
Generalized Similar Mode
Vertical Jump 28.68in NO
30.12 1.44 5.0%
Generalized Dissimilar Mode
Mile run for time 5:39 NO 5:53 14sec -2.5%
Over 6 weeks of training, there was a 30.6% increase in the 20kg snatch. This was evident in a
15 rep increase in a 2 minute period. In the generalized similar mode of exercise (i.e. vertical
jump) there was a 5.0% increase in performance, which correlates to a 1.44inch increase in
vertical jump ability. In contrast, there was a decrease in performance in the 1 mile run. This was
expressed by a -2.5% difference in the pre and post test results. This percent decrease was made
evident by a 14 second differential between post and pre test results.
Table 3:
Adaptation categories % Transfer
Vertical Jump 16.3%
Mile run for time -8.1%
The following table shows the transfer effects of 6 weeks of kettlebell snatch training. A 16.3%
transfer from the kettlebell snatch to the vertical jump was calculated. This result, proves the
hypothesis of the study to be correct. In contrast, there was no transfer effect to the 1 mile run
time. As a matter a fact, a decrease in performance was measured at the end of the six weeks.
The magnitude of decrease was made evident by a -8.1% transfer. This result proves the second
hypotheses of the experiment wrong. Six weeks of kettlebell training does not improve 1 mile
run time.
Discussion:
The Vertical jump is depended on factors such as speed, power, strength, and the ability to utilize
the stretch shortening cycle (2). According to the law of specificity, the greatest physiological
adaptations occur in response to; muscle actions used, speed of movement, range of motion,
muscle groups trained, energy systems used and intensity and volume of training (4,3). Both the
vertical jump and the kettlebell snatch require similar biomechanics, and high motor unit
recruitment (2). Other studies have concluded similar findings, showing an improvement in
vertical jump after engaging in an Olympic lifting training protocol (i.e. ballistic). These findings
resulted in an increase in vertical jump performance by; 6.8cm (15%) after 15 weeks of training
in division 3 football players, a 5.9% increase in elite volleyball players in 8 weeks of training,
and a 5.1 % increase in high school athletes in 6 weeks of training (1,2). Power increase has been
shown to improve when the same amount of work is complete in a shorter time period (3). By
manipulating this variable, as this study shows, the subject can increase neuromuscular
adaptations such as; maximal rate of force development, muscular strength, the stretch
shortening cycle, and improved motor recruitment (1, 2, 3). Seeming as the kettlebell snatch and

vertical jump share these characteristics, there is a transfer effect. Further more, with increase in
these neuromuscular adaptations comes an increase in muscular hypertrophy. Anthropometric
measurements were taken before and after training, with increase of girth in the right forearm of .
20inches and an increase in the right bicep of .13inches. Although the girth of the legs and gluts
were not taken, there is reason to believe that similar effects would have been found in those
areas as well. Overall lean body weight increased over the 6 week period by 12%. This study
contains further evidence that training at high intensities, with short rest intervals, causes greater
muscle hypertrophy (5, 3). Further more, because muscle hypertrophy is defined as an increase
in the cross sectional area of the muscle, it enables the muscle to contract more forcefully
resulting in greater power output (5). In turn, this power output was evidenced in the increased
vertical jump. Lastly, stressing the anaerobic/glycolytic and ATP-PCR energy systems one can
cause increase local blood flow to the muscles used, as well as stimulate hormone responses (3).
This hormonal stimulation and increased local blood flow, evidence shows an increase protein
synthesis (5, 6, 3). The rest intervals which appear to be most affective for creating this response
are 1-2min in duration (3). This evidence further suggests that an increase in muscle hypertrophy
did occur, and is a contributing factor to increased power output.
In contrast, the finding of this study did not find a transfer effect to running. Although a study
has concluded that high explosive resistance training for 9 weeks has improved run time in well
trained endurance athletes, without a change in their VO2max (4). This other study found that
because improvements in neuromuscular adaptations such as; an increase in net excitation of
motorneurons, increased excitatory out put, reduced inhibitory input, and alteration in neural
control during the stretch shorten cycle, there was a transfer effect to 5k running (4). A long with
these factors this study also believed there would be enough stress the cardiovascular system to
ensure transfer effects to running (3). Further more, by manipulating rest intervals, and
increasing the training volume per set it, this study believed there would be an increase buffering
capacity, and crease mitochondrial density in the local muscles (3) which would result increased
muscular endurance therefore improving run time. However, while some if not all of the
adaptations occurred over the six weeks, the distance of the run my play a significant factor in
the results. In the other study subjects trained for a 9 week period. Individuals engaged in circuit
style training over a time period which ranged from 15-90 min (4). By exercising for this
extended period of time, subjects would have trained not only trained in an anaerobic/aerobic
capacity, but also in a predominantly aerobic capacity (5, 6). This could have allowed the
subjects greater capacity to engage both systems, which would be more beneficial to a 5k run
then a 1 mile run for time. Another explanation could be the biomechanical factor. While running
and the kettlebell snatch both engage the legs, the movement pattern of each is very different.
This leads us to believe that transfer effects of training greatly depend on the similar movement
pattern of the exercise, more so then neuromuscular adaptations.

Kettlebells: Twice the Results in Half the Time

Exclusive American Council on Exercise research examines the fitness benifits of
Kettlebells
http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/Kettlebells012010.pdf

Transference of Kettlebell Training to Traditional Olympic

Weightlifting and Muscular Endurance
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (January 2010)
Many of the movements conducted with kettlebells are of a ballistic nature, similar
to that of Olympic lifts. Since kettlebell training and Olympic lifts display some
similarities regarding the technique, this study hypothesized that training with
kettlebells would translate into a improvement in strength and power during
Olympic style lifts. The purpose of this study was to examine the translational effect
that a 10 week Kettlebell training program would have on strength, power and
endurance for Olympic style barbell lifts and bodyweight exercises.
Using a standard periodization model, 15 subjects, age range (20-72 years) with
various levels of experience in physical fitness regimens underwent a 10 week, 2
day per week program using only kettlebells consisting of group training sessions.
Each subject was tested prior to (T1) and after the completion of the 10-week
session (T2). To determine changes in strength, power and endurance subjects were
tested on a barbell clean and jerk (3 rep max), barbell bench press (3 rep max), a
vertical jump and a 900 back extension to failure.
This study found that Kettlebell training indeed results in a translation of strength,
power and endurance as measured in traditional Olympic lifting techniques. The
findings demonstrate significant differences in bench press strength (51.7 kg vs
56.4 ), back extension endurance (45 reps vs 54), and increases in the traditional
clean and jerk, (30.8 kg vs 38.5). No differences were found in the vertical jump.
In conclusion, this study suggests a significant improvement of strength, power and
endurance is evident as a result of kettlebell training and that kettlebells proved to
have a considerable transferability to traditional weight training and bodyweight
exercises.
The findings indicate that kettlebell training provides a measurable improvement of
strength, power and endurance as measured by barbell and body weight exercises
and suggests that kettlebells can be used as an effective method for improving
fitness and is not restricted to either highly skilled or elite level athletes. The results
suggest that due to the positive translation of kettlebell training to that of Olympic

lifts, the use of kettlebells as a training implement is an excellent alternative to

traditional weight lifting.