Journal of Coaching and Sports Science
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Coaching and Sports Science

Relative anthropometric parameters as predictors of strength abilities of Olympic weightlifters

Panayotov, Valentin (Unknown)
Petkov, Krassimir (Unknown)
Makaveev, Rasho (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Body proportions and muscular development are closely linked to force production capacity, yet their application as predictive tools in Olympic weightlifting training and athlete selection remains insufficiently explored. Aims: The study aimed to quantify the relationships between specific relative indexes of body muscularity and maximal force generated during two classic multi-joint resistance exercises – the back squat and the clean and jerk deadlift. Methods: 17 athletes participated in the study, all of whom were national-level competitors. Linear regression equations were estimated between four relative body muscularity parameters (Height/Body mass3 (BMH), Height/Shin circumference (HS), Height/Thigh circumference (HT), Height/Arm circumference (HA), and Height/Chest circumference (HC)) and maximal strength in back squat and clean and jerk deadlift. Results: We calculated statistically significant Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression coefficients between the studied relative body muscularity parameters and maximal muscle strength in the back squat and deadlift. The adjusted R-squared values ranged from 0.082 to 0.768 across the regression equations. Conclusion: All studied relative parameters were statistically significant predictors of maximal strength in the deadlift and squat, with only 3 exceptions (BMH for the deadlift and BMH and HS for the squat). These results (in conjunction with the high adjusted R-squared values of the regressions) indicate that the constructed statistical models explain a relatively high proportion of the variation in the results. These findings can be used in training practice as guidelines for anthropometric changes to improve sports performance.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jcss

Publisher

Subject

Education Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Coaching and Sports Science is an academic journal that aims to provide education about coaching and sports science. In this journal, theory and practice in coaching will be integrated with sports science as a critical reflection of coaching practice, as well as improving sports academics ...