Sex differences and impact of body mass on performance from childhood to senior athletes in Olympic weightlifting

Abstract

Background Olympic weightlifting requires technical skills, explosive power, strength, and coordination. Weightlifters can be competitive within a range of morphological characteristics due to competition body weight classes. To date no studies have examined when sex differences arise in weightlifting and the impact of body mass on performances at different ages. Objectives To examine when sex-related differences emerge, to quantify the influence of body mass on performances at different ages, and to estimate the age at peak performance. Methods Competitions results from USA Weightlifting National Championships, Youth, Junior, and Senior from 2014 to 2019 were collected for weightlifters aged 6 to 30. Results At age 10 the median total weight lifted was 51kg and 54kg, respectively, for girls and boys. From age 10 to 12 a gender gap emerges with a sex difference of 11.7% at age 14 at 55kg body mass. At age 25 the sex-related performance difference is smaller for lighter athletes (23.6% at 69kg body mass) and larger for heavier athletes (29.9% at 81kg body mass). The median peak age for men is 26.5 years (95% CI: 25.7, 27.3) and for women 25.9 years (95% CI: 24.7, 27.3). Conclusion We quantified the impact of body weight and age and sex differences for youth and young adults, ages 6 to 30 years old, participating in national level Olympic weightlifting competitions in the United States. Body weight at younger ages has less impact on performance compared to older ages, and boys and girls perform similarly. When reaching the ages typically associated with the onset of puberty, boys' performances rapidly increase and the gap

Relationship of Limb Lengths and Body Composition to Lifting in Weightlifting

“…In the case of the stature, the data of the Spanish weightlifters (179.5 ± 8.33 [ 30 ] and 172.1 ± 6.3 cm [ 31 ] for men; and 166.3 ± 7.39 cm for women) are similar to those of our sample (176.18 ± 6.85 cm for men; and 166.94 ± 4.11 cm for women). Other studies also show similar weights and statures for men and women weightlifters [ 32 , 33 ].…”

“…It has been previously reported that a short stature implies an advantage in this sport discipline [ 30 ] but, in general terms, the taller weightlifters are also the ones whose body mass is higher [ 12 , 32 ]. Because in weightlifting body mass determines the weight class the athletes compete in, body composition and segments’ length become extremely relevant for successful performance.…”

“…In both genders, athletes with higher body mass are generally able to lift heavier loads, given that their muscle mass is also greater. However, in terms of relative strength, the shorter a weightlifter is, the higher his strength will be [ 12 , 32 ]. This is because the body is primarily composed of third class levers, therefore, the longer the bony segments, the greater the work and torque the lifter requires to lift the barbell [ 34 , 35 ].…”

“…This is because the body is primarily composed of third class levers, therefore, the longer the bony segments, the greater the work and torque the lifter requires to lift the barbell [ 34 , 35 ]. Moreover, weightlifters can be expected to be heavier than age-matched individuals in the general population [ 32 , 36 ]. Compared to jumping or throwing disciplines, the body mass is relevant for explosive strength.…”

“…Compared to jumping or throwing disciplines, the body mass is relevant for explosive strength. In fact, in throwing disciplines higher body mass is a prerequisite for success but, due to the division in weight categories, weightlifters with lighter body mass can excel in competitions [ 32 , 37 ]. Thus, factors such as muscle mass or lean mass in male and female weightlifters influence performance across all weight categories [ 7 ].…”