The Validity and Reliability of the 1RM Bench Press Using Chain-Loaded Resistance

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine the validity and test-retest reliability of the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) chain-loaded, free-weight bench press (CBP) and to examine possible learning effects that may occur between the test-retest measurements. Nine resistance-trained men (20.58 +/- 1.31 years, 188.24 +/- 9.29 cm, 92.07 +/- 16.94 kg) and seven resistance-trained women (20.42 +/- 0.98 years, 175.61 +/- 9.32 cm, 73.61 +/- 10.80 kg) participating in Division II college basketball completed this study. Two familiarization sessions took place using light to moderate loads to learn proper technique. The subjects completed a 1RM test on the traditional plate-loaded bench press 4 days before completion of the CBP 1RM, which was followed by 4 days of rest before completing the retest. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the percent coefficients of variation (CV) were used to determine relative and absolute test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was determined from the Pearson correlation coefficients between the CBP and the plate-loaded bench press. Test-retest differences were analyzed with the paired t-test. ICC and CV for the men (r = 0.99, 1.4%) and women (r = 0.93, 3.5%), respectively indicate that highly reproducible 1RM scores can be found with the CBP. High validity was also found with high correlations between the CBP and plate-loaded bench press for the men (r = 0.95) and women (r = 0.80). A statistically significant (p = 0.04) but clinically small (2.57 kg) shift in the mean occurred between the CBP test and retest for the men, whereas no change occurred for the women. The data indicate that valid and reliable 1RM scores can be found after two familiarization sessions in men and women athletes who have previous resistance training experience.

Effects of 12 weeks of dynamic strength training with local vibration

“…After the recovery pause, if a complete execution of the movement had not been performed, the value displaced during the previous attempt was considered to be the maximum weight. After 48 hours, the 1RM was repeated to ensure reproducibility of the strength test (Mccurdy, Langford, Jenkerson, & Doscher, 2008). To investigate the effect of training, the 1RM test was compared with the results from the second test session.…”

Reliability of 1RM test in detrained men with previous resistance training experience

“…Maximal dynamic strength was evaluated using the 1RM test assessed on a free-weight bench press (BP), squat on a Smith machine (SQ), and free-weight arm curl (AC), performed in this order. Between each session, 48-72 hours of recovery was given [11,15]. Execution technique and form for each exercise were standardized and continuously monitored to guarantee consistency in maximum strength assessment during the testing sessions.…”

“…The second 1RM session was performed after 48-72 hrs of recovery [11,15] at the same time of the day. Following the warm-up, the second session was begun at a load 3-10% greater that the load achieved on the previous session.…”

Effectiveness of accommodation and constant resistance training on maximal strength and power in trained athletes

“…In fact, the rate of recruitment and the activation velocity in motor units increases by applying higher loads and faster contractions (Berning, Coker & Adams, 2004). In addition to physiological factors, the maximal strength that an athlete can produce also depends on biomechanical characteristics of motion such as leverage and the joint angle (McCurdy et al, 2008). …”

“…This challenge is due to higher neural involvement during variable resistance activities compared to the constant resistance activities. Specifically in chain accommodation training, additional stabilization muscles are needed to steady the bar when the chains are completely lifted off the floor (McCurdy et al, 2008). It is possible that variable resistance activities are more suitable for highly trained athletes who need higher stimulation levels, as indicated by popularization of accommodation resistance training methods in sports clubs, bodybuilding centers, and strength colleges (Berning, Coker & Adams, 2004; Coker, Berning & Briggs, 2006; Ghigiarelli et al, 2009; Kauhanen, Hakkinen & Komi, 1989; Souza, Shimada & Koontz, 2002).…”