Effect of Competition Frequency on Strength Performance of Powerlifting Athletes

Postural control during the back squat at different load intensities in powerlifters and weightlifters

BACKGROUND

The movement of the barbell has been detected as success factor for the snatch and the clean and jerk events. As the barbell's movement has been shown to be related to the athlete's body movement, we hypothesized that the latter could be a success factor also for the back squat (BS) event. Hence, this study aimed to investigate postural control during the execution of the BS at different load intensities in powerlifters and weightlifters.

METHODS

Seventeen powerlifters and weightlifters were enrolled and the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) of the BS of each participant was measured. Afterwards, the assessment of postural control during the execution of the BS at different load intensities (i.e. 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) of the 1-RM of each participant was carried out through a posturographic platform to measure the displacement of the centre of pressure (CoP). The following parameters were considered: sway path length (SPL), sway ellipse surface (SES), length/surface (LFS ratio), sway mean speed (SMS), CoP coordinates along X and Y planes.

RESULTS

We found a significant increase in SPL and LFS ratio, and a significant decrease in SMS as the load intensity increased. In detail, we detected a significant difference in: (a) SPL between the BS at 60% and 80%, 60% and 90%, 60% and 100%; between the BS at 70% and 90%, 70% and 100%; between the BS at 80% and 100%; and between the BS at 90% and 100%; (b) SMS between the BS at 60% and 80%, 60% and 90%; (c) LFS ratio between the BS at 60% and 90%, 60% and 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that powerlifters and weightlifters adopt different postural control strategies depending on the load intensity when performing the BS. Our findings showed that higher effort could affect postural control during the BS. Thus, postural control could be considered a success factor for the BS.

Effects of Time Point of Pre-Competitions Peaking on Performance in Major-Competitions

Objectives: To study the effects of the time points of pre-competition peaking (TPCP, the time point when an athlete's peaking shows up before a major-competition) on the athletes' performances in the major-competition (M-Performance). Design: Mixed design. Methods: We used cluster analysis to classify 892 elite track and field athletes who participated in the 2017 and 2019 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, based on their TPCP and other related factors. Furthermore, we used a fixed-effects model and a mixed-effects model to analyze the relationship between the TPCP and M-Performance. Results: The TPCP of elite track and field athletes were divided into four categories: late, slightly late, slightly early, and early. In speed/power events, athletes in the slightly late category had better M-Performance. In endurance events, athletes in the slightly early category had better M-Performance. In speed/power events, delaying the TPCP did not improve the athletes' M-Performance. In endurance events, advancing the TPCP effectively improved the athletes' M-Performance. Conclusions: To improve M-Performance, athletes in speed/power events should be peaking 2-8 weeks before a major-competition, and athletes in endurance events should be peaking 8-14 weeks before a major-competition. Future research should aim to identify individual factors affecting TPCP, such as the time for the body's adaptation to training and the residual training effect.

Using Powerlifting Athletes to Determine Strength Adaptations Across Ages in Males and Females: A Longitudinal Growth Modelling Approach

INTRODUCTION

Several retrospective studies of strength sport athletes have reported strength adaptations over months to years; however, such adaptations are not linear.

METHODS

We explored changes in strength over time in a large, retrospective sample of powerlifting (PL) athletes. Specifically, we examined the rate and magnitude of strength adaptation based on age category and weight class for PL competition total, and the squat, bench press, and deadlift, respectively. Mixed effects growth modelling was performed for each operationalised performance outcome (squat, bench press, deadlift, and total) as the dependent variables, with outcomes presented on both the raw, untransformed time scale and on the common logarithmic scale. Additionally, the fitted values were rescaled as a percentage.

RESULTS

Collectively, the greatest strength gains were in the earliest phase of PL participation (~ 7.5-12.5% increase in the first year, and up to an ~ 20% increase after 10 years). Females tended to display faster progression, possibly because of lower baseline strength. Additionally, female Masters 3 and 4 athletes (> 59 years) still displayed ~ 2.5-5.0% strength improvement, but a slight strength loss was observed in Masters 4 (> 69 years) males (~ 0.35%/year).

CONCLUSION

Although directly applicable to PL, these findings provide population-level support for the role of consistent and continued strength training to improve strength across the age span and, importantly, to mitigate, or at least largely attenuate age-related declines in strength compared to established general population norms. This information should be used to encourage participation in strength sports, resistance training more generally, and to support future public health messaging.

Analysis of Competition Performance Leading to Success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships Between 2013 and 2019

ABSTRACT

van den Hoek, D, Garrett, J, Travis, SK, Oxnard, K, Howells, R, Owen, P, and Latella, C. Analysis of competition performance leading to success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships between 2013 and 2019. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e555-e562, 2023-Despite being a global sport, there is a paucity of research investigating competition-related factors contributing to World Championship powerlifting success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine competition strategies that underpin gold medalists' (GMs) and silver or bronze medalists' (SBMs) performances. Data collected from open-age International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship events 2013-2019 were analyzed (1,312 competitors [males n = 734, females n = 578]). Attempt weight and success for the squat (SQ), bench press (BP), and deadlift (DL); 'total' competition scores; category (age, weight class, and sex); and placing were categorized into 3 groups: GMs, SBMs, and nonwinners (fourth place or lower). One-way analysis of variances determined between group differences. Odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of winning and placing (i.e., GMs or SBMs) were also calculated. The odds of winning a competition were increased 5.9 times for men and by 1.5 times for women, when successfully completing 8 or 9 of 9 lift attempts. These findings provide comprehensive insight into intracompetition-related factors that contribute to World Championship powerlifting success to directly inform coach and athlete strategies. This information may also hold relevance for competitive state or national competitions and extend to other similarly structured strength-based sports.

Is There an Optimal Interval for Medal Winning Performance in World Para Powerlifting Competition?

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine the optimal interval between competitions for success in World Para Powerlifting events. A total of 1034 female (age = 34.4 ± 9.1 yrs) and 1,697 male (age = 33.7 ± 8.3 yrs) competition results from international Paralympic powerlifting events conducted between 2014 and 2020 were analyzed. Odds ratios for preparations intervals between competitive events were evaluated considering the dependent variable, earning a medal, and the independent variable, level of competition. There was an increased probability of winning a medal when the preparation interval was in the range of 22-30 wks ( P = 0.004), as compared with less than 11 wks, while competing at World Cup events, whereas for World Championships and Paralympic Games, there was an increased probability of winning a medal when the interval range was 23-31 wks ( P = 0.002) and 40 wks or more ( P = 0.011) compared with less than 23 wks. However, there were no significant differences between preparation intervals for Regional Games/Championships. The Para Powerlifting athletes participating in the World Cup events, World Championships, and Paralympic Games share an optimal interval for success of approximately 21-31 wks and results from the World Championships and Paralympic Games, which can also be optimized with an interval of 40 wks or more.

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

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.

Long-Term Adaptations in the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift: Assessing Strength Gain in Powerlifting Athletes

PURPOSE

Understanding strength changes with resistance training is important in human performance. It also enables better understanding into the expected magnitude of strength increase and factors that influence this change over time.

METHODS

Squat, bench press, and deadlift scores were collated from 407 powerlifting meets (n = 1896 unique competitors: ~625 females, ~1270 males) between 2003 and 2018. Absolute (in kilograms) and relative starting strength (in kilograms per body weight) for each lift type was expressed for both sexes. Maximum and overall strength gain per day and per year (in kilograms) was calculated by comparing first and final, or maximum scores for each lift, respectively, and considered based on strength quartile classification. Paired and independent t-tests compared strength changes from baseline and between sexes. One-way ANOVAs compared strength changes between quartiles. Pearson correlations assessed relationships between strength changes over time, and baseline strength, number of competitions, and total days competing.

RESULTS

Maximum strength adaptations were greater for squat (20.2-25.4 kg·yr-1) and deadlift (18.1-21.1 kg·yr-1) compared with bench press (10.5-12.8 kg·yr-1, P ≤ 0.001). However, the change in absolute (all lifts: P = 0.247-0.379) and relative strength (all lifts: P = 0.641-0.821) did not differ between sexes. For females, maximum strength gain per day did not differ by quartile (all lifts: P = 0.091-0.746), nor did overall strength gain per day (P = 0.151-0.575). Conversely, males in the fourth quartile generally displayed lower maximum and overall strength gain per day.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show differences in strength gain between upper- and lower-body lifts, but not sex differences in the change in strength. In line with previous research, the strongest males likely gain strength more slowly than weaker counterparts. Professionals should consider this information in the training, assessment, and long-term benchmarking of athletes whose sports require a focus on muscular strength.

Impacts of squat attempt weight selection and success on powerlifting performance

BACKGROUND

To date, there is no evidence to support the optimal competition strategy for success in powerlifting competitions. The purpose of this study was to analyse Powerlifting (PL) competition data to assess the relationship between squat attempts, the success of each lift attempt, and weight increase between attempts, with winning.

METHODS

10,672 individual competition entries (males: n = 6617, females: n = 4,055) were included within the analysis from 'raw' Powerlifting Australia sanctioned competitions held between 2008 and 2019. We reported Cohen's d, statistical significance, 95% confidence intervals and the univariate odds of winning an event. Factors were assessed by separate simple logistic regression and reported as an odds ratio.

RESULTS

Overall, first squat attempt weight for those who won was on average 7.0kg greater (P<0.001, d=0.14 [0.10, 0.18]) than for non-winners. In the total sample, athletes selected opening attempts which were an average of 92% of their achieved maximum on the day with 93.5% of competitors improving on this weight in subsequent attempts. Winners had a 0.5kg (P<0.001, d=0.10 [0.06, 0.14]) greater absolute increase in weight between first and second lift attempts than non-winners. Overall, ~68% of winners successfully lifted their third attempt weight compared to ~64% of non-winners (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A powerlifting athlete's odds of winning a competition overall are significantly increased by selecting a larger opening squat attempt weight than competitors and completing the attempt successfully. The opening squat may be one of the most important lifts during competition.

Weight Selection Attempts of Elite Classic Powerlifters

This study provides the first comparison of weight selection attempt strategies used by powerlifters competing at the international level. We observed attempts selected by elite male and female classic powerlifters and compared weight selection attempts between sexes. Male (n = 66) and female (n = 43) powerlifters who completed all lifts successfully at an International Powerlifting Federation Classic World Championship between 2012-2019 were included in the analysis. We calculated the percentage weight increase from first attempts (A1) to second attempts (A2) and from A2 to third attempts (A3). For purposes of comparison, A1 values were expressed as a percentage of A3 values. We calculated non-parametric statistics with effect sizes for between and within-group comparisons. Relative to A3, males selected greater A1s compared to females for bench press (η² = 0.16; p = 0.004) and deadlift (η² = 0.06; p = 0.036) for each lift. Alternatively, females selected greater A1 to A2 and A2 to A3 progressions for bench press (η² = 0.06; p = 0.026; η² = 0.21; p = 0.005, respectively), and A2 to A3 for deadlift (η² = 0.04; p = 0.035) compared to males. Within-group comparisons showed that males selected greater A1s on bench press compared to deadlift (η² = 0.06; p = 0.046), whereas females selected greater A1s on squat compared to deadlift (η² = 0.13; p = 0.038) relative to A3. Males also selected greater A2 to A3 progressions on deadlift compared to bench press (η² = 0.10; p = 0.044), whereas females selected greater A2 to A3 progressions for bench press (η² = 0.15; p = 0.039) and deadlift compared to squat (η² = 0.10; p = 0.041). In conclusion, selecting an opener of ∼91% of the expected A3 weight, followed by ∼5% increase from A1 to A2, and ∼3% increase from A2 to A3 represent the typical weight selection attempts used across lifts by elite classic powerlifters competing in the World Championships. The results of this study provide novel insight into the weight selection attempts of elite classic powerlifters.

Global Challenges of Being a Strength Athlete during a Pandemic: Impacts and Sports-Specific Training Considerations and Recommendations

The ongoing global pandemic brought about by Coronavirus II (SARS-Cov-2 or COVID-19) has caused an ongoing cessation of sporting competitions and training facility closures. This is a fundamental challenge for amateur and elite sporting professionals. Although recommendations have been provided for team-sport athletes to maintain general and sport-specific conditioning, these methods are often not optimal for strength athletes (i.e., powerlifting (PL) and weightlifting (WL)) due to the unique and narrow set of performance requirements posed by these sports. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence-based information and recommendations and highlight potential strategies and approaches that may be used by strength (PL and WL) athletes during the current global crisis. Collectively, we provide evidence from resistance training literature regarding the loss of muscle strength, power and mass, minimum training frequencies required to attenuate such losses and training re-adaptation. Additionally, we suggest that time off training and competition caused by ongoing restrictions may be used for other purposes, such as overcoming injury and improving movement quality and/or mobility, goal setting, psychological development and emphasizing strength sports for health. These suggestions are intended to be useful for coaches, strength athletes and organizations where existing training strategies and recommendations are not suitable or no longer feasible.