Para powerlifting made its debut at the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games. However, it was initially exclusive for athletes with spinal cord injuries, but in the second edition of the Paralympic Games in 1964, athletes with other impairments were included.

This Para sport is practiced lying on a bench assuming the bench press position. Powerlifting is open to athletes with a physical impairment, short stature men and women, amputees or people with limited strength or flexibility in their legs, and they compete depending on their weight class.