Long-term adaptations in the squat, bench press, and deadlift: Asessing strength gain in powerlifting athletes
Document Type
Book
Publication Title
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer / American College of Sports Medicine
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
42855
Abstract
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.
DOI
10.1249/MSS.0000000000002858
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Comments
Latella, C., Owen, P. J., Davies, T., Spathis, J., Mallard, A., & van den Hoek, D. (2022). Long-term adaptations in the squat, bench press, and deadlift: Asessing strength gain in powerlifting athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 54(5), 841-850. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002858