Using the Load-Velocity Profile for Predicting the 1RM of the Hexagonal Barbell Deadlift Exercise

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Strength and Conditioning
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Estimating maximal strength, such as the one-repetition maximum (1RM), is crucial for designing effective training programs.
• The hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBD) is a common strength exercise, but reliable methods for predicting its 1RM are needed.
• Load-velocity profiling has emerged as a promising technique for predicting 1RM in various exercises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if bar velocity can accurately predict the 1RM for the hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBD).
• To establish the reliability and validity of using the load-velocity relationship for HBD 1RM prediction.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two male ice hockey players performed a progressive loading test on the HBD.
• Mean concentric bar velocity was measured for each load using a linear position transducer.
• The relationship between bar velocity and percentage of 1RM (%1RM) was analyzed.

Main Results:

• A very strong relationship (R² = 0.85) was found between mean concentric velocity and %1RM.
• The predicted 1RM values showed near-perfect correlation (R = 0.93) with actual 1RM values.
• The prediction method demonstrated low typical error (5.11 kg) and coefficient of variation (2.53%), with no significant difference between actual and predicted 1RM.

Conclusions:

• The hexagonal barbell deadlift demonstrates an established load-velocity relationship.
• Bar velocity is a viable and accurate method for predicting the 1RM of the HBD exercise.
• This finding supports the use of load-velocity profiling in strength and conditioning for the HBD.