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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 
1   Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal
,
Miguel Gomes
1   Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal
2   CIPER – 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
1   Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal
2   CIPER – 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
1   Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal
2   CIPER – 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
1   Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal
2   CIPER – 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
1   Neuromuscular Research Lab, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, Portugal
2   CIPER – 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 Funding Information This work was partly supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, under Grant UIDB/00447/2020 to CIPER—Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana (unit 447).
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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


Publication History

Received: 29 March 2024

Accepted: 21 May 2024

Article published online:
28 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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