Normative data for the squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in powerlifting: Data from 809,986 competition entries

Daniel J. van den Hoek; Patrick L. Beaumont; Adele K. van den Hoek; Patrick J. Owen; Joel M. Garrett; Robert Buhmann; Christopher Latella

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.005

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Normative data for the squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in powerlifting: Data from 809,986 competition entries

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Normative data for the squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in powerlifting: Data from 809,986 competition entries

Daniel J. van den Hoek, Patrick L. Beaumont, Adele K. van den Hoek, Patrick J. Owen, Joel M. Garrett, Robert Buhmann and Christopher Latella

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Vol.27(10), pp.734-742

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.005

PMID: 39060209

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

Athletes

Growth, development and ageing

Musculoskeletal function

Physical examination

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

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).

Details

Title: Normative data for the squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in powerlifting: Data from 809,986 competition entries
Authors: Daniel J. van den Hoek (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Patrick L. Beaumont - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Anatomy
Adele K. van den Hoek - Queensland University of Technology
Patrick J. Owen - Monash University
Joel M. Garrett - Griffith University
Robert Buhmann - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Christopher Latella - Edith Cowan University
Publication details: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Vol.27(10), pp.734-742
Publisher: Elsevier Australia
Date published: 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.005
ISSN: 1878-1861
PMID: 39060209
Copyright note: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Sports Medicine Australia. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/).
Data Availability: Data related to this investigation are available from openpowerlifting.org.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health - Anatomy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991048879502621
Output Type: Journal article

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