Comparison of Balance Performance in Masters Olympic Weightlifters & Runners
One sentence take-home point
Results from this study suggest that Olympic weightlifting may provide superior training stimulus for somatosensory and vestibular function (explanation below) compared to running in middle-aged (40-60 yo) adults.
WTF is somatosensory and vestibular function?
Main Bullet: Somatosensory function is how we feel our body move in space. When you can’t control your body during a snatch or toes-to-bar, you most likely lack in somatosensory function.
Science: The somatosensory system 1) informs us about our external environment through touch, 2) informs about the position and movement of our body parts, also known as propioception, and 3) is stimulated by movement of muscles and joints.
Main Bullet: Vestibular function helps us respond quickly to stimuli so we don’t fall.
Science: The vestibular system provides a sense of balance and information about body position that allows for rapid compensatory movements in response to both self-induced and externally generated forces.
What does this mean?
Olympic weightlifting requires high-level coordination, stability, and balance during an explosive power movement. These are functions that naturally decrease without proper stimuli, leading to higher incident rates over time. Maintaining and improving them can help enhance longevity and quality of life.
While running may not stimulate the brain in the same capacity, leisure time running has been linked with decreases in all-cause & cardiovascular mortality risks (PMID: 25082581), mental health (PMID: 33139666), and bone density, amongst many other benefits.
Both are obviously valuable towards overall health, function, and longevity. For Oly (or any skill) please don’t associate expertise with execution. Even if you are still developing your technical capacity (especially for Oly), you are reaping the above benefits as you learn and challenge your boundaries.