Analysis of the Use and Applicability of Different Variables for the Prescription of Relative Intensity in Bench Press Exercise

Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyze the different variables that influence the prescription of resistance training (one-repetition maximum (1RM) and number of maximal repeti tions (xRM)) through the velocity of execution, with the aim of approaching the precise definition and control of intensity in bench press exercise. Fifty male physical education students were divided into four groups according to their relative strength ratio (RSR) and performed a 1RM bench press test, and two maximum number of repetitions (MNR) tests one week apart, using a relative load corresponding to 70% 1RM determined through the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) obtained from the individual load¿velocity relationship. Regarding MPV, the best (fastest) repetition of the set values were similar between groups (0.62 m·s ¿1¿0.64 m·s ¿1 ). The average MNR was 12.38 ± 2.51, with significant variation between groups with regards to MNR (CV:13¿29%), and greater variability in the group corresponding to the lowest RSR values (CV: 29%). The use of variables such as the 1RM or a MNR do not allow an adequate degree of precision to prescribe and control the relative intensity of resistance training. Besides, execution velocity control can offer an adequate alternative to guarantee an accurate prescription of intensity with regard to resistance training.