ANTHROPOMETRIC CORRELATES WITH STRENGTH PERFORMANCE AMONG RESISTANCE TRAINED ATHLETES

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between se lected anthropometric dimensions and strength performance in resistanc e trained athletes. Fifty-eight college football players were measured following the completion of a 10-week resistance training program for one-repetition maximum (1-RM) lifts in the bench press, squat, and de ad lift and for 11 anthropometric dimensions. Results indicated that t he highest relationships existed between estimates of regional muscle mass (arm circumference, arm muscle cross-sectional area, and thigh ci rcumference) and lifting performance. Multiple regression analysis sel ected arm size and %fat as variables common to the prediction of all t hree lifts. The fewer joints and muscle groups involved in a lift, the greater the predictive accuracy from structural dimensions. It was co ncluded that body structure and conformation make significant contribu tions to maximum strength performance in highly trained strength athle tes.