Physical and Anthropometric Factors Influencing the Isometric Strength in Key Positions of the Conventional Deadlift in Powerlifters

• Main Author: Beckham, George Kenneth
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2012
• Subjects: Powerlifting; Strength Testing; Strength; Isometric; Deadlift; Biomechanics; Kinesiology; Life Sciences
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1470; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2663&context=etd

The purpose of the study was to determine anthropometric characteristics that may affect deadlift performance. Fourteen powerlifters performed isometric pulls on a force plate at 3 key positions of the deadlift (at the floor, just above the patella, and 5-6 cm short of lockout) and the mid-thigh pull (MTP). RM ANOVA revealed that forces generated at each bar height differed significantly (F(3,39) = 51.058, p<0.05). Discriminant analysis was able to classify lifters into "stronger" and "weaker" groups with 100% accuracy using measured anthropometric dimensions. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that height to body mass ratio was important in differentiating performance in all positions but lockout. Segment and various measures of height were also important in discriminating performance in the knee, lockout, and MTP positions. Results of this analysis should provide some insight to the anthropometric dimensions that are related to success in various phases of the deadlift.