A Comparative Study of Selected Anthropometric Measurements of Inter-Collegiate Women Weightlifters and Powerlifters of Mangalore University

Strength-oriented sports require specific physical characteristics that support efficient force production and movement execution. Variations in technical demands between Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting are known to influence anthropometric profiles of athletes (Garhammer, 1993; Keogh et al., 2006). The present investigation examined selected anthropometric measurements of inter-collegiate women weightlifters and powerlifters representing Mangalore University. A comparative research approach was adopted, involving sixty women athletes (30 weightlifters and 30 powerlifters) selected through purposive sampling. Standard anthropometric measurements including body dimensions, circumferences, and skinfold thickness were recorded using validated procedures (Ross & Marfell-Jones, 1991). Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests were applied to identify group differences at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicated no meaningful difference in standing height between the two groups. However, women weightlifters demonstrated significantly higher values in body weight, arm length, upper arm length, chest circumference, thigh circumference, calf circumference, and waist skinfold thickness. No statistically significant differences were observed in lower arm length, thigh skinfold thickness, or calf skinfold thickness. It was concluded that participation in Olympic weightlifting is associated with more pronounced anthropometric characteristics related to muscularity and leverage compared to powerlifting. The results emphasize the importance of anthropometric assessment for sport-specific training and athlete development among women strength athletes.