Efficiency of the Wilks and IPF Formulas at Comparing Maximal Strength Regardless of Bodyweight through Analysis of the Open Powerlifting Database

摘要

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 567-582, 2020. The purpose of this study was to measure the efficiency of the Wilks and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Formulas at comparing powerlifting performance (total) between weight classes of the same sex (men and women) and division (classic and equipped) in order to determine the champion of champions. The Open Powerlifting database was downloaded (June 21st, 2019), filtered (Python) and analyzed (IBM SPSS). Single factor ANOVA revealed that the total (kg) was able to compare 3 out of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (3.1%), the total ratio was able to compare 5 of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (5.1%), the Wilks Formula was able to compare 53 of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (54.1%) and that the IPF formula was able to compare 51 of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (52%). Making the Wilks slightly more efficient than the IPF Formula (54.1% 52%) at determining the champion of champions. Results also show that the IPF Formula is more efficient at comparing women’s weight classes and that the Wilks Formula is more efficient at comparing men’s weight classes, for both divisions. Results could not validate the IPF’s decision to replace the Wilks by the IPF Formula. Subjects’ performances (kg, ratio, % of the event on the total, Wilks and IPF points) presented for each weight class per sex and division coming from a total of 26,472 open powerlifters could be utilized by practitioners. Further research should be directed towards updating the constants of both formulas.