ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MALAYSIAN COMPETITIVE POWERLIFTERS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

Studies on the anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics among Malaysian Paralympic powerlifters are limited. This study examined the sociodemographic, clinical information and anthropometric physical parameters of Paralympic powerlifters in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted during a Powerlifting Workshop and National Championship in 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on athlete’s sociodemographic, sports participation history and medical information. All participants underwent a structured physical medical examination and anthropometric assessments. Fifty-two powerlifters took part in this study. Mean age of participants was 24.50±SD8.25 year. Majority of participants were men (82.7%) and most had spinal cord injury (34.6%) or amputation of the lower limb (26.9%). Most powerlifters competed at district and state level championships and 42.3% had represented Malaysia at international competitions. Women powerlifters had a significantly higher amount of body fat compared to men (35.61% vs 19.80%; p=0.003). Men power-lifters had significantly longer arm and forearm length (30.10±IQR3.00 cm vs 23.00±IQR2.13 cm; p=0.020).