Resumen de Anthropometric and Performance Variables Discriminating Elite American JuniorMen Weightlifters
Andrew C. Fry, Dragomir Ciroslan, Mary D. Fry, Christopher D. LeRoux, Brian K. Schilling
Fry, A.C., D. Ciroslan, M.D. Fry, C.D. LeRoux, B.K. Schilling, and L.Z.F. Chiu. Anthropometric and performance variables discriminating elite American junior men weightlifters. J. Strength Cond. Res. 20(4):861-866. 2006.-The purpose of this study is to identify physical and performance variables that discriminate elite American junior-aged men weightlifters from nonelite performers. Using a cross-sectional design, multiple discriminant analysis was used to determine field tests identifying elite male junior weightlifters. Young men who were participants (n = 115) at the Junior National and Junior Olympics Weightlifting Championships volunteered as subjects (mean ± SD age = 14.8 ± 2.3 years). Elite weightlifters (n = 20) were identified as the top 17.5% of national-level competitors when weightlifting performances were adjusted for body mass using the Sinclair equation. All other weightlifters were classified as nonelite (n = 95). Test batteries were performed immediately upon completion of a national-level weightlifting competition. Variables measured included easily-administered field tests of physical dimensions and body composition, muscular strength and power, flexibility, and gross motor control. The resulting regression equations correctly classified 84.35% of the weightlifters as elite or nonelite. Five variables significantly contributed to the discriminant analysis (Wilks = 0.6637392, ?2 = 44.880, df = 5, p < 0.0001, adjusted R2 = 0.67). Body mass index accounted for 23.13% of the total variance, followed by vertical jump (22.78%), relative fat (18.09%), grip strength (14.43%), and torso angle during an overhead squat (0.92%). The use of these 5 easily administered field tests is potentially useful as a screening tool for elite American junior men weightlifters.
