BACKGROUND: Propulsive force is considered an important determinant of performance in aquatic sports. This strength assessment is important in all aquatic sports, especially in water polo, due to the limited research in this modality and the high-intensity actions required, such as speed and agility in movement. The aim of the study is to verify the applicability of the average strength prediction equation (Beija et al., 2024) in water polo athletes of both sexes. METHODS: The study included 42 youth water polo athletes of both sexes, 26 males with a mean age of 13.2 ± 2.3 years and a mean body mass of 56.9 ± 17.6 kg; and 16 females with a mean age of 11.7 ± 1.1 years and a body mass of 46.6 ± 9.3 kg. For data analysis, the JASP statistical program was used, with a significance level of 5% in all analyses. RESULTS: When analyzing the values **of actual average strength, peak force, and estimated average strength of the swimmers studied, it is observed that male athletes presented the highest values. Although the estimated average strength values **were higher than the actual average strength values, no statistically significant differences were found between the actual and estimated average strengths. CONCLUSIONS: The results attest to the applicability of the prediction equation for different groups, especially for water polo athletes.
© Copyright 2026 XVth International Symposium on Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming Proceedings. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.