This study examined the possibility of using movement velocity as an indicator of
relative load in the bench press (BP) exercise. One hundred and twenty strength-trained
males performed a test (T1) with increasing loads for the individual determination
of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) and full load-velocity profile. Fifty-six subjects
performed the test on a second occasion (T2) following 6 weeks of training. A very
close relationship between mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and load (%1RM) was observed
(R2=0.98). Mean velocity attained with 1RM was 0.16±0.04 m· s−1 and was found to influence the MPV attained with each %1RM. Despite a mean increase
of 9.3% in 1RM from T1 to T2, MPV for each %1RM remained stable. Stability in the
load-velocity relationship was also confirmed regardless of individual relative strength.
These results confirm an inextricable relationship between relative load and MPV in
the BP that makes it possible to: 1) evaluate maximal strength without the need to
perform a 1RM test, or test of maximum number of repetitions to failure (XRM); 2)
determine the %1RM that is being used as soon as the first repetition with any given
load is performed; 3) prescribe and monitor training load according to velocity, instead
of percentages of 1RM or XRM.
bench press - muscle strength - 1RM prediction - isoinertial assessment - exercise
testing - weight training
