The DOTS formula is used to calculate the relative strength of powerlifter. The relative strength of an athlete is the amount of strength that an athlete possesses in comparison to there body weight. Because the heavier athlete can produce more total weight than the lighter athlete, a problem arise in the comparison of the two athletes, the heavier athlete can produce more total weight, but the lighter athlete may be stronger relative to their body weight.
The DOTS formula solve this problem by providing a single number for athlete of all weights that can be compared to one another. Prior to the development of the DOTS formula, the Wilks formula was used to compare the relative strength of powerlifter of different body weights. The problem with the Wilks formula, however, is that it typically favor the athletes with higher body weights.
How DOTS Measures Strength by Body Weight
Developers created the DOTS formula with a polynomial curve that was created from data from thousands of world-class powerlifting competition. Separate curve are used for men and women due to the strength difference between the sexes. Because the DOTS formula utilize these specific curve, it can provide more accuratley relative strength measurement for powerlifters of all weight.
To calculate a DOTS score, the total weight lift in the squat, bench press, and deadlift must first be determine. The lifter sums the weight for each of the lifts to find the total weight lift. The body weight of the lifter must also be known.
The total weight lift is weighted by the body weight and the sex of the powerlifter to calculate the DOTS score. Additionally, the total weight lift will impact the DOTS score; the more higher the total weight lift, the higher the DOTS score will be. Thus, if an individual double the total weight that they lift in a powerlifting competition, their DOTS score will also double.
DOTS score can indicate the strength level of the powerlifter. Scores can be categorized into different level of strength. Scores below 200 is considered to be recreational strength, which is typical for individual who have been lifting weight for one or two year.
Scores between 200 and 299 is considered to be intermediate strength, which typically indicate that the powerlifter is competing in local powerlifting meet. Scores between 300 and 399 is considered to be advanced strength, which indicate that the powerlifter is competing in national powerlifting meet. Scores between 400 and 499 are considered to be elite strength, which indicate that the powerlifter is competing for an national podium.
Scores of 500 or higher are considered to be world-class strength, which the best powerlifters in the world who break world record exhibit. Due to the understanding of how the DOTS score is calculated, lifter of all sex can use the DOTS score to indicate which lift they should focus upon to maximize their DOTS score. While all three lift contribute to the total weight lift, which is the determining factor of the DOTS score, the bench press is typically the strongest and most efficient lift to increase the total weight lift.
However, the lift that an athlete should focus upon are their weakest lift to maximize performance. Whether raw or equipped powerlifting competition, the DOTS formula is the same; however, raw and equipped lifter are kept separate in competition due to the 20% to 30% increase of the total weight lift with the use of equipment. The DOTS formula is a fair system for comparing the strength of powerlifters of all body weight because lighter lifter will score higher relative to the body weight of heavier lifter; the heavier lifter must lift more weight to score the same as the lighter lifter.
Thus, the DOTS scoring system allow for a 59 kg lifter to have their strength compare to that of an 180 kg lifter on a level playing field. You could of calculated the DOTS score for an athlete through the use of an online DOTS calculator; however, it is important to use the correct coefficient for the sex of the powerlifter. Any other coefficient will result in an inaccurate DOTS score.
Finally, it is recommended that lifters focus upon their DOTS score rather than their absolute total weight lift to provide an accurat measurement of their relative strength.
