Optimising body weight categories for para powerlifting using a modified evolutionary strategy

Christopher Latella; Darren Bentley; Dan Van Den Hoek

doi:10.1177/17479541261472762

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Optimising body weight categories for para powerlifting using a modified evolutionary strategy

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Optimising body weight categories for para powerlifting using a modified evolutionary strategy

Christopher Latella, Darren Bentley and Dan Van Den Hoek

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.Advanced access

28-Aug-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541261472762

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Abstract

Bench press

classification

fairness

performance analysis

strength sport

Objectives In select sports, bodyweight categories (BCs) serve to increase competitiveness and fairness. We aimed to analyse current Para Powerlifting BC impacts on performance-related factors and refine these for each sex. Methods Retrospective records; 2013–2023 (n = 6802 athletes) were collated. An evolutionary strategy, with a specific ‘fitness function’ and simplified genetic algorithm was employed to develop optimised BCs with the same overall number of categories (n = 10) for each sex. Spearman's rank correlations determined performance versus bodyweight relationships. Chi-squared goodness of fit tests determined distribution of the athletic pool amongst categories. The impact of changing the BCs on retrospective competition results was explored with paired samples Wilcoxon tests. Significance was set at p < 0.01. Results The evolutionary strategy provided optimised BCs for senior males and females resulting in better distribution of the athlete pool, fewer BCs with a significant bodyweight-performance correlation (4 versus 1 across sexes) and no statistical difference in competitiveness compared to current BCs. Neither the current nor optimised bodyweight schemes were suitable for junior competitions. Conclusion The results may inform future rule updates in Para Powerlifting. Sports using athlete classification (e.g., bodyweight, age) should consider the efficacy of categorisation methods and adopt an analytical approach to ensure competitive fairness.

Details

Title: Optimising body weight categories for para powerlifting using a modified evolutionary strategy
Authors: Christopher Latella (Corresponding Author) - Edith Cowan University
Darren Bentley - Edith Cowan University
Dan Van Den Hoek - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd.
DOI: 10.1177/17479541261472762
ISSN: 2048-397X
Copyright note: © The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
Data Availability: Data can be made available upon reasonable request to the authors.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991255535602621
Output Type: Journal article

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