Relationships between Anthropometric and Strength Profiles of Streetlifting Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics of streetlifting athletes in the different body weight categories and to develop specific equations to predict the individual performance in the different exercises included in competitive programs (chin-up, dip, muscle-up and squat). A total of 79 athletes (60 men and 19 women; age: 26.1 ± 6.4 y; body mass: 72.7 ± 13.2 kg; height: 171.7 ± 8.9 cm) were tested in accordance with the Italian National championships. Athletes were tested for anthropometry and body composition before the competition, and the performance in each lift was registered. A partial correlation of 0.47 and 0.60 was detected between arm girth and chin-up and dip performance, respectively. On the contrary, body fat was negatively correlated with the same exercises (r = −0.42). Squat performance appeared mainly determined by fat-free mass and thigh cross-sectional area, while body fat did not affect the performance in this exercise. The prediction equations developed were based on anthropometric and body composition parameters and showed near-perfect correlations with the participants’ competitive results (R2 between 0.66 and 0.90). The normative data presented in this investigation and the prediction equations developed may help coaches and practitioners in athlete evaluation and comprehension of the key factor of streetlifting performance.