I don't get what's the purpose of that kind of a lift. Some might have problems with last phase of the pull and they need to do "High-deadlift" but this movement is so short and weight so much higher than in a standard deadlift that I don't think that's the case now.
Grip and and upper back?
I used to lift quite a bit and am familiar with many techniques and theory. The idea behind this is that by completing "partial" reps through the strongest segment of the lift (usually the top portion of the rep) using much more weight than you can use through the entire range of motion, you build strength and increase the amount you can lift through the entire range of motion. I'm sure Belle is trying to increase the ammount of weight she can lift in a full range of motion deadlift. Then the next time she deadlifts, she can use this increased strength to do full range reps with more weight which, in turn, results in shocking the muscle into new growth. Imagine that – an even BIGGER Belle. I, for one, am all for it. It's basicly a shock technique to blast through a plateau when your gains have stalled or stopped using conventional lifting.
In a nutshell, heavy patials develop strength which is then used to build mass. The power rack is perfect for this. You can place the bars at whatever height you wish and complete reps with heavy weight at the top postion of the lift for all the power lifts – deads, squats, or bench press. I've done it and it works.
