Local muscular endurance and prediction of 1 repetition maximum for bench in 4 athletic populations

The aim of this study was to determine a predictive equation of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) from local muscular endurance. Different athletic male populations were assessed: racket/ball games players (n = 31 ), power lifters (n = 22), swimmers (n = 28), and rowers (n = 29). After the 1 RM assessment for the bench press, the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) relative to the 1RM (85%, 75%, 60%, 40%, and 20%) was tested. No significant differences in strength evolution from 20% to 100% of the 1 RM was found between power lifters and racket/ball games players and between swimmers and rowers. However, differences in the strength evolution appeared between these 2 mixed groups (p < 0.01), with differences appearing from 75% of 1RM to lesser relative strength (p < 0.05). Nonlinear equations fitted best with the actual data for the capacity to repeat lifts. The evolution of strength from 100% to 20% of 1RM was better described when the groups' specific equations were used as demonstrated by [r.sup.2], and residuals range between the predicted minus the measured 1RM. The strength endurance competences for high loads (100%-75%) were adequately modelled by the equation based on the total population. The accuracy of the 1RM prediction was better when a reduced number of lifts was performed. For untrained or novice subjects, the use of group-specific equations for the all evolutionary profile of strength allows a good estimate of 1RM and provides adequate numbers of lifts for all levels of strength, thus optimizing the training programs. KEY WORDS training adaptations, prediction equation, maximal strength