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. 2023 Aug 15:11:e15863.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15863. eCollection 2023.

Repetition velocity as a measure of loading intensity in the free weight and Smith machine Bulgarian split squat

Kaifang Liao #  1   2 , Chao Bian #  3 , Zhili Chen  2 , Zhihang Yuan  2 , Chris Bishop  4 , Mengyuan Han  2 , Yongming Li  2   5 , Yong Zheng  6
Affiliations

Repetition velocity as a measure of loading intensity in the free weight and Smith machine Bulgarian split squat

Kaifang Liao et al. PeerJ. .

Abstract

This study investigated the grouped and individualized load-velocity profile (GLVP vs. ILVP) in Bulgarian split squat using Smith machine and free weight. Seventy five recreational male lifters completed two incremental loading tests of Bulgarian split squat. Mean velocity was measured by a linear-position transducer (GymAware). Linear regression equation was applied to construct the GLVP and ILVP. The agreement of predicted %1RM and measured %1RM was assessed by a combination of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), standard error of measurement (SEM) and Bland-Altman analysis. Acceptable validity was defined as ICC > 0.75, CV ≤ 10% and p ≥ 0.05 (a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test). A very high level of inverse load-velocity relationships were demonstrated in Bulgarian split squat (r = - 0.92) with free weights and a Smith machine. ILVP (ICC ≥ 0.98, CV ≤ 8.73%, p ≥ 0.56) was valid enough to predict the %1RM, but GLVP of both limbs revealed large CVs in free weights (CV: 15.4%,15.63%) and a Smith machine (CV: 11.24%, 12.25%). Cross-validation between the actual %1RM and predicted %1RM using free weights and a Smith machine ILVP was not acceptable (p ≤ 0.03, CV ≥ 14.07%). A very high level of inverse relationship were observed between %1RM and MV in Bulgarian split squat using free weights and a Smith machine, indicating individualized load velocity properties, and the ILVP showed high between-devices variability in both scenarios. Using velocity as a measure of loading intensity in Bulgarian split squat needs to consider the individualized load velocity properties, and difference between free weights and a Smith machine.

Keywords: Bulgarian split squat; Load-velocity relationship; Resistance exercises; Unilateral exercises; Velocity-based training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare there are no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Relationship between the repetition mean velocity and relative load (%1RM) in Bulgarian split squat using a Smith machine and free weights.
The data included both limbs; GLVP, grouped load velocity profile.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Bland-Altman plots for the measured and predicted relative load (%1RM) by individual linear equation in Bulgarian split squat using Smith machine and free weight.
Difference = predicted %1RM—real %1RM; Random error is standard deviation divided by the square root of the number of measurements (n = 2).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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