Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bar velocity has been proved to accurately predict performance in several exercises.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the total number of repetitions during the NFL-225 Bench Press Test (NFL-225) based on bar velocity in collegiate football players.
METHODS: Forty-six NCAA Division I football players performed as many bench press repetitions as possible with a standard load of 225 lbs. The variables used to estimate the total number of repetitions were: mean velocity of the fastest repetition achieved in the test (FR); mean velocity of the first repetition (V1); mean velocity of the first three repetitions (MV3); mean velocity of the first five repetitions (MV5); and mean velocity of the first 10 repetitions (MV10). Linear regression analyses were conducted to predict NFL-225 performance based on bar velocity.
RESULTS: The prediction of the total number of repetitions was similar between the five mean velocities (FR: R-2 = 0.64, SEE = 3.87, V1: R-2 = 0.65, SEE = 3.80, MV3: R2 = 0.70, SEE = 3.52, MV5: R-2 = 0.71, SEE = 3.48, and MV10: R-2 = 0.62, SEE = 3.37).
CONCLUSION: The mean velocities allowed the production of general regression equations for the estimation of the total number of repetitions in the NFL-225. V1 and MV3 presented as the best options due to their accuracy, time-efficiency, and reduced musculoskeletal stress.
