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1RM prediction: a novel methodology based on the force–velocity and load–velocity relationships

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a novel approach for predicting the one-repetition maximum (1RM). The prediction is based on the force–velocity and load–velocity relationships determined from measured force and velocity data collected during resistance-training exercises with incremental submaximal loads. 1RM was determined as the load corresponding to the intersection of these two curves, where the gravitational force exceeds the force that the subject can exert.

Methods

The proposed force–velocity-based method (FVM) was tested on 37 participants (23.9 ± 3.1 year; BMI 23.44 ± 2.45) with no specific resistance-training experience, and the predicted 1RM was compared to that achieved using a direct method (DM) in chest-press (CP) and leg-press (LP) exercises.

Results

The mean 1RM in CP was 99.5 kg (±27.0) for DM and 100.8 kg (±27.2) for FVM (SEE = 1.2 kg), whereas the mean 1RM in LP was 249.3 kg (±60.2) for DM and 251.1 kg (±60.3) for FVM (SEE = 2.1 kg). A high correlation was found between the two methods for both CP and LP exercises (0.999, p < 0.001). Good agreement between the two methods emerged from the Bland and Altman plot analysis.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the use of the proposed methodology as a valid alternative to other indirect approaches for 1RM prediction. The mathematical construct is simply based on the definition of the 1RM, and it is fed with subject’s muscle strength capacities measured during a specific exercise. Its reliability is, thus, expected to be not affected by those factors that typically jeopardize regression-based approaches.

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Abbreviations

1RM:

One-repetition maximum

FVM:

Force–velocity-based method

LP:

Leg press

CP:

Chest press

DM:

Direct method

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Acknowledgments

No grant support was provided for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Psychology, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, ‘eCampus’ University, Via Isimbardi 10, 22060, Novedrate CO, Italy

    Pietro Picerno & Giorgio Tollis

  2. Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’, Rome, Italy

    Danilo Iannetta, Stefania Comotto, Davide Di Muzio, Federica Patrizio & Maria Francesca Piacentini

  3. Rome, Italy

    Marco Donati & Marco Figura

  4. Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy

    Fabrizio Pecoraro

  5. United States Olympic Committee, Colorado, USA

    Mounir Zok

  6. Italian Weightlifting Federation, Rome, Italy

    Carlo Varalda

Authors
  1. Pietro Picerno
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  2. Danilo Iannetta
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  3. Stefania Comotto
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  4. Marco Donati
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  7. Giorgio Tollis
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  9. Carlo Varalda
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  10. Davide Di Muzio
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  11. Federica Patrizio
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  12. Maria Francesca Piacentini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pietro Picerno.

Additional information

Communicated by Anni Vanhatalo.

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Picerno, P., Iannetta, D., Comotto, S. et al. 1RM prediction: a novel methodology based on the force–velocity and load–velocity relationships. Eur J Appl Physiol 116, 2035–2043 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3457-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3457-0

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