Performance and Anthropometrics of Classic Powerlifters: Which Characteristics Matter?

Abstract

Ferrari, L, Colosio, AL, Teso, M, and Pogliaghi, S. Performance and anthropometrics of classic powerlifters: Which characteristics matter? J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1003–1010, 2022—The purpose of this study is: (a) provide normative performance and anthropometric data of Southern European classic powerlifters of both sexes; (b) determine the possible relationships between these variables and performance; and (c) develop population-specific predictive equations for single lifts and overall powerlifting performance. During an unofficial national-level competition, we recruited 74 athletes (51 men and 23 women) and recorded their individual, anthropometric, and performance characteristics and divided them into sex and 2 performance categories based on their Wilks points. Weaker (<370 Wilks points) and stronger (>370 Wilks points) athletes of both sexes were compared by two-way analysis of variance. Simple correlation and multiple linear regression between individual/anthropometric characteristics and performance were modeled. We applied a step-forward multiple linear regression model to predict single lifts and overall performance. All parameters significantly differed between sexes (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Stronger male athletes had a significantly larger neck (42 ± 2.8 cm; effect size [ES] = 0.59), and flexed (40.6 ± 3.3 cm; ES = 1.18) and relaxed upper-arm (37.5 ± 3.1 cm; ES = 1.34) and thigh girths (63.6 ± 7.0 cm; ES = 0.77) compared to weaker male athletes. Furthermore, stronger women had significantly larger flexed (32.6 ± 3.3 cm; ES = 0.88) and relaxed upper-arm (33 ± 1.5 cm; ES = 2.28) and chest girths (99.3 ± 9.2 cm; ES = 1.10) compared to weaker female athletes. A combination of experience, fat mass, and upper-limb and lower-limb muscle mass indexes can accurately and precisely predict overall and individual lift performance (r2 ≥ 0.83 for all the predictions). This is the first study to provide normative performance and anthropometric data in Southern European male and female powerlifters.

An Intensity-dependent Slow Component of HR Interferes with Accurate Exercise Implementation in Postmenopausal Women

“…After medical clearance and anthropometric measurements (body mass (digital scale, Seca877; Seca, Leicester, United Kingdom), height (vertical stadiometer; Seca), and skinfold thickness (Holtain T/W skinfold caliper; Holtain Limited, Crymych, United Kingdom) (28)), subjects visited the laboratory on six occasions within a maximum of 1 month. On the first visit, they performed a ramp incremental test to exhaustion on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer (Sport Excalibur; Lode, Groningen, the Netherlands).…”

Prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use and reported side effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in powerlifting and rugby

“…The nature of these sports is unique as the physiological determinants and demands of performance differ greatly to that of sports previously researched. Compared to other sports examined to date, strength or collision sports place greater emphasis of development of strength and lean body mass, and the training demands in terms of energy expenditure would be lower than endurance sports [24][25][26]. Whether chronic resistance training, or repeated collisions, especially to the torso, influence perceived symptomology is yet to be investigated.…”

Prediction of bench press performance in powerlifting: The role of upper limb anthropometry

“…Body composition, specifically lean body mass and fat-free mass (FFM), are known to be the main determinants of this influence due to the muscular component and thus hypertrophy level . This fact is also confirmed by the strong association between the general performance in powerlifting and limb girths found in several studies, especially for flexed biceps girth (Ferrari et al, 2022; J. W. L. Keogh et al, 2009). Concerning body fat and skinfold thickness, the results are often controversial.…”

“…Several studies have investigated the predictability of BP performance based on anthropometric variables (Caruso et al, 2012;Ferrari et al, 2022;J. Keogh et al, 2005; J. W. L. Keogh et al, 2007;Lovera and Keogh, 2015;.…”