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Published on: July 5, 2017
Peak Age and Performance Trajectories in Para Powerlifters
Anna Cecilia Severin1, Julia Kathrin Baumgart, Thomas Haugen
1From the Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway (ACS, JKB); School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway (TH); and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia (LH).
Objective:
This study established the age-related performance trajectories in Para powerlifters, thereby presenting valuable information for athlete development.
Design:
Data on athlete date of birth, body mass, and weight lifted in competition were analyzed for 2079 athletes between 1994 and 2019.
Results:
Age-related performance trajectories showed that men and women lift their heaviest weights in competition at 36 and 41 yrs of age, respectively. This correspond to the mean age of competitors in the heaviest bodyweight categories at elite competitions (men 36 yrs, women 43 yrs), who were older than competitors in lighter bodyweight categories. It is possible that para powerlifters "move up" bodyweight categories as they get older and before lifting their heaviest weights in competition. High-performing athletes lifted their heaviest weight in competition 2.6 yrs earlier than lower performing peers, and the best performances in most bodyweight categories were achieved by athletes between 31 and 35 yrs of age.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that para powerlifters should reach their peak performance in their early to mid-30s and before age-related changes to neural and hormonal processes impact muscular strength. This information can help coaches and athletes evaluate their strategies for achieving success in para powerlifting.
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