Genetic Algorithm Optimization Applied to a Biomechanical Model of Snatch Lift

Simulating the movement of a snatch weightlifter by means of the dynamic formulation and optimizing this movement using Genetic Algorithm as a soft computing method is the main purpose of this study. The snatch weightlifter is modeled by an open kinematic chain. The problem is defined as the optimization of the movement of this model from the first position to the predefined second position while considering the specific optimum criterion like minimizing the muscular effort. The results are represented in the forms of kinematic and kinetic data like trajectory of barbell and actuating joint torques. Because of some similarities between the results and experimental observations by other researches we conclude that our method can be able to model the real situation. This model can be used to optimize the performance of the weightlifters and it could give us some useful advice about the most effective technique.