Objective Strength assessment and comparison to normative values is an important benchmarking and diagnostic tool in human health and performance. However, population specific normative data is often several decades old, often lack information about adolescent and adult strength levels and are not representative of the strength levels of strength trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to develop contemporary strength norms for the squat, bench press, and deadlift using powerlifters competing in un-equipped, drug-tested competitions. Design Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Methods Retrospective data from global drug-tested, unequipped powerlifting competitions were collated with 809,986 samples (571,650 males, 238,336 females) included. Strength was assessed according to sex, United Nations age classifications, and competitive powerlifting weight class. Strength was expressed relatively (ratio of weight lifted/bodyweight) and computed for the 10th-90th percentile for each of the above categories. Results Relative strength was greatest for young adults (18-35y; 90th percentile for squat [Male: 2.83 x bodyweight, Female: 2.26], bench press [M: 1.95, F: 1.35], deadlift [M: 3.25, F:2.66]) before declining thereafter for all three exercises. Although lower than their younger counterparts, very old adults (> 80y) had 90th percentile data for the squat of M: 1.72 and F: 1.01, bench press: M: 1.31 and F: 0.92, and deadlift: M: 2.30 and F: 1.68. Relative strength was also greatest for the lightest female and male weight classes, respectively. Conclusions These findings provide a comprehensive, accurate and precise representation of strength for drug-tested, unequipped powerlifters in each category and serve as a point of reference for other trained population groups. To facilitate uptake and ease of comparison, we have developed a freely available online tool.
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