To compare performances of Olympic weightlifters of different body weights, the classic formula divides the load lifted by the athlete's

To compare performances of Olympic weightlifters of different body weights, the classic formula divides the load lifted by the athlete's

• A. Body weight
• B. Body weight squared
• C. Lean body weight
• D. Body weight to the two-thirds power

Answer: (D)

When comparing Olympic weightlifters of different body sizes, you want a measure that accounts for how strength scales with body size. Strength relates to muscle cross-sectional area, which roughly scales with length squared, while body mass scales with length cubed. If you divide the load lifted by body weight raised to the two-thirds power, you normalize for size in a way that reflects this geometric scaling. This allometric approach yields a fairer, dimensionless index of relative strength across lifters of different masses. Using body weight alone would bias toward larger athletes, and dividing by lean body weight or by body weight squared doesn't align with the physical scaling pattern as effectively.

When comparing Olympic weightlifters of different body sizes, you want a measure that accounts for how strength scales with body size. Strength relates to muscle cross-sectional area, which roughly scales with length squared, while body mass scales with length cubed. If you divide the load lifted by body weight raised to the two-thirds power, you normalize for size in a way that reflects this geometric scaling. This allometric approach yields a fairer, dimensionless index of relative strength across lifters of different masses.

Using body weight alone would bias toward larger athletes, and dividing by lean body weight or by body weight squared doesn't align with the physical scaling pattern as effectively.