Affiliations: [a] School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA | [b] Kinesiology and Sports Science Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA | [c] Center for Sports Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA | [d] School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: James Jay Dawes, School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, 170 Colvin Recreational Center, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA. E-mail: jay.dawes@okstate.edu.
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: R2= 0.64, SEE = 3.87, V1: R2= 0.65, SEE = 3.80, MV3: R2= 0.70, SEE = 3.52, MV5: R2= 0.71, SEE = 3.48, and MV10: R2= 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.
Keywords: Velocity-based training, muscular endurance, American Football, NFL Combine
