Velocity Loss as an Indicator of Resistance Training Volume in Women

This study aimed to analyze the evolution of repetition velocity throughout a set until failure in the bench-press exercise and to analyze the relationships between the percentage of performed repetitions (%Rep) regarding the maximum number of repetitions that can be completed (MNR) and the percentage of velocity loss (VL) in women. Sixteen women performed one set until failure with four different intensities (50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of one-repetition maximum, 1RM). Two-testing sessions were performed with 50% and 80% 1RM to evaluate data stability. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. A close relationship was observed between the magnitude of VL and the %Rep (R² = 0.85-0.92) and a low standard error of the estimation (6.85-9.81%). Regarding reliability, the MNR showed a coefficient of variation (CV) of 16.1% and 20.8% for 50% and 80% 1RM, respectively. Regarding the %Rep for a given VL (from 15% VL), CVs were: 6.3-19.6%, being higher when VL reached in the set was lower. This study shows the usefulness of monitoring VL to estimate, with considerable precision, the %Rep in women. However, the %Rep when a given VL was reached revealed only satisfactory absolute reliability from a certain VL threshold (>15% VL).