Retrospective Analysis of Competition Attempt Variations of Elite Paralympic Powerlifters

Abstract de Lucena, EGP, Benutto, V, Travis, SK, Oliveira, JIV, de Souza, TMF, and Uchida, MC. Retrospective analysis of competition attempt variations of elite Paralympic powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The purposes of this study were to retrospectively assess data from the 2019 and 2020 World Para Powerlifting World Cups to calculate and describe the percentage change (Δ%) in the load lifted between the first successful attempt and the last successful attempt for male and female athletes and to investigate the effects of age, body mass, percentage change, and best lift on ranking position. Male athletes had greater body mass than female athletes (t [−3.2] = 184.4, p < 0.01) and lifted greater absolute loads in both the first successful attempt (t [−15.9] = 228.6, p < 0.01) and the last successful attempt (best lift) (t [−15.9] = 229.3, p < 0.01). Conversely, female athletes demonstrated a Δ% greater than male athletes (t [3.9] = 181.8, p < 0.01). Among female athletes, body mass (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.09, p < 0.01) and best lift (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.96, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with improved ranking positions. Similar associations were observed in male athletes for body mass (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04–1.08, p < 0.01) and best lift (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.95, p < 0.01). This study provides novel insight into the factors influencing Paralympic powerlifting World Cup competition outcomes, specifically highlighting the significant roles of body mass and best lift.