The relationship between body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and maximal strength in...

The purpose of this study was to conduct a detailed body composition analysis by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA scan) on classic powerlifters to understand better the relationship between various body composition variables and maximal strength.

Fifteen drug-free classic powerlifters (9 males and 6 females) underwent a DEXA scan and absolute (kg) and relative (Wilks) maximal strength from all 3 powerlifting events (squat, bench and deadlift) was registered from the previous provincial championship. A 2 tailed Pearson correlation analysis was conducted in order to present the relationships between body composition variables and performance measures.

The main outcome of the present study is that experience in resistance training (r=0.52 to 0.74), lean body tissue (r= 0.61 to 0.95), arms mass (r=0.57 to 0.86), legs mass (r=0.53 to 0.63), bone mineral content (BMC) (r=0.52 to 0.91) and bone mineral density (BMD) (r=0.53 to 91) measures were significantly correlated (P<0.05) with most absolute (kg) and relative (Wilks) maximal strength measures.

The results of the present study could guide practitioners working with athletes aged between 22 and 35 years old practicing sports with higher risks of fractures (e.g., alpine skiing) to potentially utilize the squat, the bench press and the deadlift not only to build strength in order to increase sport performance, but also to increase BMC and BMD of their athletes trough heavy eccentric loading to help reduce the risks of fractures. Further studies should be directed towards interventions trying to reveal that some type of relationship does exist between BMC, BMD and powerlifting performance and in what direction.