Results of a survey of highly qualified powerlifters and coaches regarding approaches to pre-competition body weight regulation
Oleh Olkhovyi1, Natalya Didyuk2, Oleksandr Tykhorskyi3, Maksymova Kateryna4
1Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Kharkiv Doctor of Sciences, Professor, Vice-Rector for Research ttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5223-5229
2Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, Ukraine,Kharkiv Acting Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sports https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3371-2719
3Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Kharkiv, Candidate of Sciences in Physical Education, Associate Professor of the Department of Health, Fitness and Recreation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1779-0849
4Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Kharkiv, Candidate of Sciences in Physical Education, Associate Professor of the Department of Health, Fitness and Recreation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2027-662
Received / Gönderim: 27.05.2025 Accepted / Kabul: 25.06.2025 Published / Yayın: 30.06.2025
Abstract. The article analyzes the features of pre-competition body weight regulation in female powerlifters based on the results of an online survey of female athletes (n=29) and powerlifting coaches (n=16). The frequency, duration, methods, and volumes of body weight loss, as well as their impact on female athletes’ strength indicators, were identified. It was found that highly qualified female athletes more often use rapid weight loss methods (1–3 days before the competition), lose more than 5 kg and mainly use starvation. Simultaneously, qualified female athletes demonstrate greater variability of approaches and are more often negatively affected by strength abilities. The data obtained from coaches generally confirm the trends identified among female athletes. The results of the study can be used to optimize strategies for pre-competition body weight regulation in female athletes in power sports in general and in powerlifting in particular, taking into account individual characteristics and level of qualification.
Keywords: powerlifting, weight loss, pre-competition training, strength sports.