TY - JOUR
T1 - Normative data for the squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in powerlifting
T2 - Data from 809,986 competition entries
AU - van den Hoek, Daniel J.
AU - Beaumont, Patrick L.
AU - van den Hoek, Adele K.
AU - Owen, Patrick J.
AU - Garrett, Joel M.
AU - Buhmann, Robert
AU - Latella, Christopher
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)
PY - 2024/10
Y1 - 2024/10
N2 - Objectives: Strength assessment and comparison to normative values are an important benchmarking tool in human health and performance. However, population specific normative data are several decades old, lack information about adolescent and adult strength levels and are not representative of the strength levels of strength trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to develop contemporary strength norms for the squat, bench press, and deadlift using powerlifters competing in un-equipped, drug-tested competitions. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Methods: Retrospective data from global drug-tested, unequipped powerlifting competitions were collated with 809,986 samples (571,650 males, 238,336 females) included. Strength was assessed according to sex, United Nations age classifications, and competitive powerlifting weight class. Strength was expressed relatively (ratio of weight lifted/bodyweight) and computed for the 10th–90th percentile for each of the above categories. Results: Relative strength was greatest for young adults (18–35 years; 90th percentile for squat [male: 2.83 × bodyweight, female: 2.26], bench press [male: 1.95, female: 1.35], deadlift [male: 3.25, female: 2.66]) before declining thereafter for all three exercises. Although lower than their younger counterparts, very old adults (> 80 years) had 90th percentile data for the squat of male: 1.72 and female: 1.01, bench press: male: 1.31 and female: 0.92, and deadlift: male: 2.30 and female: 1.68. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive, accurate and precise representation of strength for drug-tested, unequipped powerlifters in each category and serve as a point of reference for other trained population groups. To facilitate uptake and ease of comparison, we have developed a freely available online tool (www.thestrengthinitiative.com).
AB - Objectives: Strength assessment and comparison to normative values are an important benchmarking tool in human health and performance. However, population specific normative data are several decades old, lack information about adolescent and adult strength levels and are not representative of the strength levels of strength trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to develop contemporary strength norms for the squat, bench press, and deadlift using powerlifters competing in un-equipped, drug-tested competitions. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Methods: Retrospective data from global drug-tested, unequipped powerlifting competitions were collated with 809,986 samples (571,650 males, 238,336 females) included. Strength was assessed according to sex, United Nations age classifications, and competitive powerlifting weight class. Strength was expressed relatively (ratio of weight lifted/bodyweight) and computed for the 10th–90th percentile for each of the above categories. Results: Relative strength was greatest for young adults (18–35 years; 90th percentile for squat [male: 2.83 × bodyweight, female: 2.26], bench press [male: 1.95, female: 1.35], deadlift [male: 3.25, female: 2.66]) before declining thereafter for all three exercises. Although lower than their younger counterparts, very old adults (> 80 years) had 90th percentile data for the squat of male: 1.72 and female: 1.01, bench press: male: 1.31 and female: 0.92, and deadlift: male: 2.30 and female: 1.68. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive, accurate and precise representation of strength for drug-tested, unequipped powerlifters in each category and serve as a point of reference for other trained population groups. To facilitate uptake and ease of comparison, we have developed a freely available online tool (www.thestrengthinitiative.com).
KW - Athletes
KW - Growth, development and ageing
KW - Musculoskeletal function
KW - Physical examination
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85199785965&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.005
DO - 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.005
M3 - Article
C2 - 39060209
AN - SCOPUS:85199785965
SN - 1440-2440
VL - 27
SP - 734
EP - 742
JO - Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
JF - Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
IS - 10
ER -