What are the odds? Identifying factors related to competitive success in powerlifting

Abstract

Background The ability for athletes to gain a competitive advantage over their opponents is well recognised. At times, this advantage may be considered a marginal gain. However, in the context of competition, marginal advantages may be the difference between winning and losing. This investigation explores how competition factors influence the odds of competitive success (i.e. winning) in powerlifting (PL) to assist athletes and coaches in achieving a competitive advantage. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of competition data from raw/classic, Australian powerlifting competitions 2010–2019 was conducted. Data included 10,599 competition entries (males: n = 6567 [62%], females: n = 4032 [38%]). Independent t-tests were used to compare continuous data between sexes or winners and non-winners at an event. Cohen’s d and the 95% confidence interval (d [95% CI]) were calculated. Univariate odds of winning an event based on independent variables (age [irrespective of category], sex, body weight and weight of first lift attempt [regardless of success]), were assessed by separate simple logistic regression. Results When compared to males, the odds of winning for females were 50% greater (OR [95% CI] 1.500 [1.384, 1.625]; P < 0.001). Athletes who had larger first lift attempts (Squat: + 7.0 kg P < 0.001, Bench Press: + 3.2 kg P < 0.001, and Deadlift: + 6.1 kg P < 0.001and competed for a longer period (winners: 401 vs non-winners: 304 days, P < 0.001) had an increased likelihood winning. Age was associated with increased odds of success for males (OR [95% CI] 1.014 [1.009, 1.019], P < 0.001) per additional year of age for males, but not females (P = 0.509). Conclusions Multiple factors appear to contribute to the likelihood of winning a PL competition. These results may help coaches to develop competition and training strategies that optimise athletes’ likelihood of competitive success in PL.

How Do Intracompetition Strategies Differ Between Para Powerlifting Podium and Nonpodium Athletes? A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…Here, upper-arm girth when the muscles were tensed was used as a surrogate for assessing the muscle cross-sectional area. Although we cannot confirm our theory regarding differences in body composition and lean body mass of GM athletes compared with SBM athletes, similar research conducted by van den Hoek et al (16) made similar conclusions for able-bodied PL athletes competing in the IPF. A secondary hypothesis to explain strength differences in the absence of difference in body mass and without data to support differences in body composition is that high-performing athletes are more experienced in competition and have improved kinematic strategies and movement-specific skill.…”

“…Therefore, athletes aiming to improve from NPOD to POD positions with their final attempt may risk the increased likelihood of a failed attempt in exchange for a potential improvement in overall competition placing if the attempt is successful. Although not investigated in the current sample, van den Hoek et al (16) found that competition winners tended to have more experience competing than nonwinners within traditional PL likely resulting in a more refined competition day strategy. Coaches must also consider that competitive anxiety and other factors (sleep, tapering, etc.)…”

“…Previous research in able-bodied PL has demonstrated links between competitive success and nonmodifiable (age and sex) (1,2,7) and modifiable, intracompetition factors (order and frequency of successful lifts and relative lift intensity) (5,15,16). However, the same breadth of research is yet to be performed concerning the PPL population.…”

“…Both male and female athletes significantly increased their odds of achieving a gold medal when completing at least 8 of 9 intracompetition lifts (15). Early research investigating each of the traditional PL lifts (SQ, BP, and DL) further suggests that experienced athletes can more accurately estimate their 1RM on the day of competition (16). Thus, they can strategize their lifts to complete 3 successful attempts while maximizing the weight lifted, increasing their odds of competitive success.…”

Does the 2d:4d ratio present a relationship with static strength indicators in elite paralympic power-lifting?

“…Among the most practiced strength activities, gym activities and powerlifting stand out, both in conventional and Paralympic modalities (Aidar, Clemente, de Lima, et al, 2021;Fonseca et al, 2020;D. van den Hoek et al, 2023;D. J. van den Hoek et al, 2022).…”