Group versus Individualised Minimum Velocity Thresholds in the Prediction of Maximal Strength in Trained Female Athletes

Abstract

This study examined the accuracy of different velocity-based methods in the prediction of bench press and squat one-repetition maximum (1RM) in female athletes. Seventeen trained females (age 17.8 ± 1.3 years) performed an incremental loading test to 1RM on bench press and squat with the mean velocity being recorded. The 1RM was estimated from the load–velocity relationship using the multiple- (8 loads) and two-point (2 loads) methods and group and individual minimum velocity thresholds (MVT). No significant effect of method, MVT or interaction was observed for the two exercises (p > 0.05). For bench press and squat, all prediction methods demonstrated very large to nearly perfect correlations with respect to the actual 1RM (r range = 0.76 to 0.97). The absolute error (range = 2.1 to 3.8 kg) for bench press demonstrated low errors that were independent of the method and MVT used. For squat, the favorable group MVT errors for the multiple- and two-point methods (absolute error = 7.8 and 9.7 kg, respectively) were greater than the individual MVT errors (absolute error = 4.9 and 6.3 kg, respectively). The 1RM can be accurately predicted from the load–velocity relationship in trained females, with the two-point method offering a quick and less fatiguing alternative to the multiple-point method.

Prediction of One Repetition Maximum Using Reference Minimum Velocity Threshold Values in Young and Middle-Aged Resistance-Trained Males

“…The inverse-linear relationship between the load lifted and movement velocity can be used to predict 1RM during various resistance training exercises [11]. Briefly, this load-velocity relationship can be modeled by assessing velocity over multiple submaximal loads (usually 3-8 loads; i.e., 'multiple-point method'), with the 1RM being estimated via linear regression as the load associated with the velocity at 1RM (i.e., the minimum velocity threshold; MVT) [12][13][14]. This relationship can also be accurately modeled using two loads (i.e., 'two-point method') [11], though the loads and MVT selected in modeling need to be considered [15].…”

The Maximum Flywheel Load: A Novel Index to Monitor Loading Intensity of Flywheel Devices

“…The main difference can be explained by the use of pooled data instead of individual data to calculate the regressions. Recent research showed that individual associations might result in higher accuracy than pooled data [32]. In addition, greater improvements were observed in power-oriented training [33] in ISO-load exercises.…”

Concurrent and Predictive Validity of an Exercise-Specific Scale for the Perception of Velocity in the Back Squat

“…Another important parameter which is exercise dependent is the velocity associated with the maximal load (1RM), i.e. the minimum velocity threshold (MVT) [ 17 ]. The MVT in the back squat is approximately 0.30 m·s −1 [ 19 ], therefore displaying the minimum value of 0.10 on the scale could lead participants to underestimate submaximal and maximal loads.…”

“…Moreover, the range of velocities within a scale should be exercise specific. In fact, the velocity associated with the 1RM load, called the minimum velocity threshold (MVT), is exercise specific and has been shown to differ between exercises [ 17 ]. For example in the Prone Bench Pull the MVT is about 0.50 m·s −1 [ 18 ], in the Squat about 0.30 m·s −1 [ 19 ] while in the Bench Press about 0.15 m·s −1 [ 20 ].…”