Effects of weightlifting vs kettlebell training

[JudoJosh]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22344061/

Effects of Weightlifting vs. Kettlebell Training on Vertical Jump, Strength, and Body Composition.

Abstract
The present study compared the effects of six weeks of weightlifting plus traditional heavy resistance training exercises vs. kettlebell training on strength, power, and anthropometric measures. Thirty males were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) weightlifting (n = 13; mean ± SD, age: 22.92 ± 1.98 y; body mass: 80.57 ± 12.99 kg; height: 174.56 ± 5.80 cm); or 2) or kettlebell (n = 17; mean ± SD, age: 22.76 ± 1.86 y; body mass: 78.99 ± 10.68 kg; height: 176.79 ± 5.08 cm) and trained two times a week for six weeks. A linear periodization model was used for training; weeks 1-3 volume was 3×6 (kettlebell swings or high pull), 4×4 (accelerated swings or power clean), and 4×6 (goblet squats or back squats) and volume increased during weeks 4-6 to 4×6, 6×4, and 4×6, respectively. Participants were assessed for height (cm), body mass (kg), and body composition (skinfolds). Strength was assessed by the back squat 1RM while power was assessed by the vertical jump and power clean 1RM. The results of this study indicated that short-term weightlifting and kettlebell training were effective at increasing strength and power. However, the gain in strength using weightlifting movements was greater than that for kettlebell training. Neither method of training led to significant changes in any of the anthropometric measures. In conclusion, 6 weeks of weightlifting induced significantly greater improvements in strength compared to kettlebell training. No between-group differences existed for the vertical jump or body composition.

PMID 22344061

So they compared traditional resistance training using heavy weights (based of the athletes 1RM) to kettle bell training (which they used 16kg kettlebells regardless of what the athletes 1RM was) and then concluded that traditional weightlifting led to significantly greater increases in strength over kettlebell training.

Problem is the traditional weightlifting group used heavier loads then the kettlebell group (% of 1RM vs 16kg KB) so of course the traditional weightlifting group would have gained more strength to someone else using lighter weight. I wonder what the results would have been if they used kettlebells that were equal to the same load as the weightlifting group.

[fadi]

At some point you may not find kettlebells heavy enough to compare. But I agree the study seem flawed

[ZiR RED]

We have 110 lb kettle bells at school.

The big problem with the study was how they assessed strength. They assessed it via the back squat. One group trained the back squat for 6 weeks while the other group did not. There's a big chance for a learning/neural effect there. Now, if they had compared the groups on something they both had done (kettle bells for goblet squats, traditional for back squats) or on something neither had done (leg press) then we may have seen different results.

The **** they allow into the JSCR these days....and it wasn't even PAP, which makes up like 75% of the articles published in there each volume.

Br