Prediction of one repetition maximum strength (1RM) based on a submaximal strength in adult males

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to determine and validate a model for predicting one maximum repetition (1RM) based on a submaximal strength test and the arm circumference for bench press (BP). Thirty-five male experienced in strength training underwent an anthropometric evaluation, followed by an 1RM and a 10RM test for BP. The 1RM workload was modeled through the 10RM test and the arm circumference using multiple linear regression. The model resulted in 86% of explained variance and a 6.0% standard error of estimate of the measured 1RM for BP. The measured 1RM was 121.3 ± 18.8 kg and predicted 1RM was 120.6 ± 17.2 kg, with 0.6 ± 7.4 kg (p< 0.01) difference between obtained and predicted 1RM. The obtained model showed an acceptable reliability, and further can be currently used as a tool for predicting the 1RM workload. © 2009 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.