Optimal Minimum-Velocity Threshold to Predict One-repetition Maximum
                    for the Back Squat

Afonso Fitas; Miguel Gomes; Paulo Santos; André D Gonçalves; Pedro Pezarat-Correia; Goncalo V Mendonca

doi:10.1055/a-2335-4143

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(12): 923-929
DOI: 10.1055/a-2335-4143

Training & Testing

Optimal Minimum-Velocity Threshold to Predict One-repetition Maximum for the Back Squat

Afonso Fitas

¹Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

,

Miguel Gomes

¹Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

²CIPER – Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

,

Paulo Santos

¹Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

²CIPER – Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

,

André D Gonçalves

¹Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

²CIPER – Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

,

Pedro Pezarat-Correia

¹Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

²CIPER – Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

,

Goncalo V Mendonca

¹Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

²CIPER – Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The prediction of one-repetition maximum (1RM) is highly relevant for strength and conditioning. The optimal minimum-velocity threshold (MVT) was recently proposed to increase the accuracy of 1RM predictions. Individual load-velocity profiles (LVP) were obtained in 18 athletes enrolled in recreational soccer. Reliability analyses were computed for all LVP-derived variables. Estimations of 1RM were made based on general (0.3 m.s^− 1), pre-individual (mean velocity at 1RM obtained in a preliminary session) and optimal MVT (velocity that eliminates the difference between actual and predicted 1RM, determined in a preliminary session). The accuracy of 1RM predictions was examined using absolute-percent error and Bland-Altman plots. Between-day reliability of the LVP and 1RM was good (intraclass-correlation coefficients – ICCs>0.9 and coefficients of variation – CVs<5%). The individual and optimal MVT reached moderate-to-good reliability (ICCs>0.9 and CVs<10%, respectively). The predictions based on the optimal MVT displayed greater accuracy than those obtained with the individual and general MVT (absolute percent error: 2.8 vs. 5.5 vs. 4.9%, respectively). However, wide limits of agreement (LoA) were found between actual and estimated 1RM using this approach (~15 kg). Data indicate that the optimal MVT provides better estimations of 1RM for the free-weight back squat than the general and the individual MVT.

Keywords

maximum strength - resistance training - velocity-based training

Full Text

References

References
1 Mendonca GV, Fitas A, Santos P. et al. Predictive Equations to Estimate Relative Load Based on Movement Velocity in Males and Females: Accuracy of Estimation for the Smith Machine Concentric Back Squat. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37: 1559-1565
2 Thompson SW, Rogerson D, Ruddock A. et al. A Novel Approach to 1RM Prediction Using the Load-Velocity Profile: A Comparison of Models. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9: 88
3 Lopes Dos Santos M, Mann JB, Berton R. et al. Using the Load-Velocity Profile for Predicting the 1RM of the Hexagonal Barbell Deadlift Exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37: 220-223
4 Marston KJ, Forrest MRL, Teo SYM. et al. Load-velocity relationships and predicted maximal strength: A systematic review of the validity and reliability of current methods. PLoS One 2022; 17: e0267937
5 Weakley J, Mann B, Banyard H. et al. Velocity-based training: From theory to application. Strength Cond J 2021; 43: 31-49
6 Pareja-Blanco F, Walker S, Häkkinen K. Validity of Using Velocity to Estimate Intensity in Resistance Exercises in Men and Women. Int J Sports Med 2020; 41: 1047-1055
7 Banyard HG, Nosaka K, Haff GG. Reliability and Validity of the Load-Velocity Relationship to Predict the 1RM Back Squat. J Strength Cond Res 2017; 31: 1897-1904
8 Fernandes JFT, Dingley AF, Garcia-Ramos A. Prediction of One Repetition Maximum Using Reference Minimum Velocity Threshold Values in Young and Middle-Aged Resistance-Trained Males. Behavioral Sciences 2021; 11: 71
9 Banyard HG, Nosaka K, Vernon AD. et al. The Reliability of Individualized Load-Velocity Profiles. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2018; 13: 763-769
10 Hughes LJ, Banyard HG, Dempsey AR. et al. Using a load-velocity relationship to predict one repetition maximum in free-weight exercise: A comparison of the different methods. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 33: 2409-2419
11 Ruf L, Chéry C, Taylor KL. Validity and Reliability of the Load-Velocity Relationship to Predict the One-Repetition Maximum in Deadlift. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32: 681-689
12 Lake J, Naworynsky D, Duncan F. et al. Comparison of Different Minimal Velocity Thresholds to Establish Deadlift One Repetition Maximum. Sports (Basel) 2017; 5: 70
13 Benavides-Ubric A, Díez-Fernández DM, Rodríguez-Pérez MA. et al. Analysis of the Load-Velocity Relationship in Deadlift Exercise. J Sports Sci Med 2020; 19: 452-459
14 García-Ramos A. Optimal Minimum Velocity Threshold to Estimate the 1-Repetition Maximum: The Case of the Smith Machine Bench Press Exercise. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18: 393-401
15 Caven EJG, Bryan TJE, Dingley AF. et al. Group versus Individualised Minimum Velocity Thresholds in the Prediction of Maximal Strength in Trained Female Athletes. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17: 1-10
16 Janicijevic D, Jukic I, Weakley J. et al. Bench Press 1-Repetition Maximum Estimation Through the Individualized Load-Velocity Relationship: Comparison of Different Regression Models and Minimal Velocity Thresholds. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16: 1074-1081
17 Loturco I, Pereira LA, Cal Abad CC. et al. Using Bar Velocity to Predict Maximum Dynamic Strength in the Half-Squat Exercise. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2016; 11: 697-700
18 Bazuelo-Ruiz B, Padial P, García-Ramos A. et al. Predicting Maximal Dynamic Strength from the Load-Velocity Relationship in Squat Exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2015; 29: 1999-2005
19 Çetin O, Akyildiz Z, Demirtaş B. et al. Reliability and validity of the multi-point method and the 2-point method’s variations of estimating the one-repetition maximum for deadlift and back squat exercises. PeerJ 2022; 10: e13013
20 Kilgallon J, Cushion E, Joffe S. et al. Reliability and validity of velocity measures and regression methods to predict maximal strength ability in the back-squat using a novel linear position transducer. J Sport Eng Technol 2022; 1: 1-14
21 Kjær RB, Herskind JH, Kristiansen MV. et al. Applicability of the Load-Velocity Relationship to Predict 1-Repetition Maximum in the Half-Squat in High-Level Sprinters. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18: 866-873
22 Fitas A, Santos P, Gomes M. et al. General minimum velocity threshold for one-repetition maximum prediction in two squat variations: Does the load-velocity profiling approach matter?. Sport Sci Health 2024;
23 Kang H. Sample size determination and power analysis using the G*Power software. J Educ Eval Health Prof 2021; 18: 17
24 Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Stone MH. The Importance of Muscular Strength in Athletic Performance. Sports Med 2016; 46: 1419-1449
25 Shephard RJ. PAR-Q, Canadian Home Fitness Test and exercise screening alternatives. Sports Med 1988; 5: 185-195
26 García-Ramos A, Pestana-Melero FL, Pérez-Castilla A. et al. Differences in the Load-Velocity Profile Between 4 Bench-Press Variants. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2018; 13: 326-331
27 Fitas A, Santos P, Gomes M. et al. Influence of sex and strength differences on the load-velocity relationship of the Smith-machine back squat. Sport Sci Health 2023; 1: 1-10
28 Gomes M, Fitas A, Santos P. et al Validation of a Single-Session Protocol to Determine the Load-Velocity Profile and One-Repetition Maximum for the Back Squat Exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38: 1013-1018 Published online February 20
29 Fitas A, Santos P, Gomes M. et al. Prediction of One Repetition Maximum in Free-Weight Back Squat Using a Mixed Approach: The Combination of the Individual Load-Velocity Profile and Generalized Equations. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38: 228-235
30 Weakley J, Cowley N, Schoenfeld BJ. et al. The Effect of Feedback on Resistance Training Performance and Adaptations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports med 2023; 53: 1789-1803
31 Jiménez-Alonso A, García-Ramos A, Cepero M. et al. Velocity Performance Feedback During the Free-Weight Bench Press Testing Procedure: An Effective Strategy to Increase the Reliability and One Repetition Maximum Accuracy Prediction. J Strength Cond Res 2022; 36: 1077-1083
32 Pérez-Castilla A, Piepoli A, Delgado-García G. et al. Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Seven Commercially Available Devices for the Assessment of Movement Velocity at Different Intensities During the Bench Press. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 33: 1258-1265
33 Thompson SW, Rogerson D, Ruddock A. et al. Pooled versus individualized load-velocity profiling in the free-weight back squat and power clean. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16: 825-833
34 Pérez-Castilla A, Jukic I, Janicijevic D. et al. Load-Velocity Relationship Variables to Assess the Maximal Neuromuscular Capacities During the Back-Squat Exercise. Sports Health 2022; 14: 885-893
35 Koo TK, Li MY. A Guideline of Selecting and Reporting Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for Reliability Research. J Chiropr Med 2016; 15: 155-163
36 Bland JM, Altman DG. Measuring agreement in method comparison studies. Stat Methods Med Res 1999; 8: 135-160
37 Giavarina D. Understanding Bland Altman analysis. Biochemia medica 2015; 25: 141-151
38 Nevill AM, Atkinson G. Assessing agreement between measurements recorded on a ratio scale in sports medicine and sports science. Br J Sports Med 1997; 31: 314-318
39 Hoffman JR, Kang J. Strength changes during an in-season resistance-training program for football. J Strength Cond Res 2003; 17: 109-114
40 Schick EE, Coburn JW, Brown LE. et al. A comparison of muscle activation between a Smith machine and free weight bench press. J Strength Cond Res 2010; 24: 779-784
41 Van Den Tillaar R, Saterbakken A. The sticking region in three chest-press exercises with increasing degrees of freedom. J Strength Cond Res 2012; 26: 2962-2969
42 Hernández-Belmonte A, Buendía-Romero A, Pallares JG. et al. Velocity-Based Method in Free-Weight and Machine-Based Training Modalities: The Degree of Freedom Matters. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37: e500-e509