The Relationship of Training Frequency and Wilks Score in Competitive Swedish Classic Powerlifters : A Quantitative Questionnaire Study

Abstract: Background: In strength sports, athletes must take several training variables into consideration whencreating a training program. One of the ground pillars is training frequency, but there is a lackof research done on competitive powerlifters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was toinvestigate the corelation between training frequency and performance, measured as Wilksscore, in competition for powerlifters. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent out through various social media platforms to activepowerlifters, with the purpose of gathering sufficient information on their training habits andcompetition scores. A total of 80 subjects followed through with the survey, but only 48 metthe final inclusion criteria. Participants were divided into three groups based on their trainingfrequency; separate groups were created for the different lifts. Total frequency was dived intothe groups (3, 4, >4) sessions per week, squat frequency into (1,2, >2), bench press (2,3,>3),deadlift (1,2,>2). Results: As the p-value of all the tests are larger than the alpha value (0,0125) there is no apparentdifference between the groups that can be attributed to the training frequency. Duringsubgroup analysis, there were no other significant correlations between Wilks score andcompetitive age, training frequency or training intensity. However, there was a trend for ancorrelation between training volume a slight effect on the total Wilks score (P = 0,077). Conclusion: Training frequency may not be an important factor for powerlifters after 1-2 sessions and aftera certain threshold of volume has been reached. However, a higher training frequency mayallow for higher training volumes which previous research has found favourable. Moreresearch over a longer time span is still needed.