Validation of a Velocity Perception Scale for the Bench Press: Accuracy in Velocity Perception and %1RM Perception...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Accurate monitoring of exercise intensity is crucial in strength training.
• Velocity-based training (VBT) relies on objective velocity measurements.
• Subjective perception of velocity and load could offer a practical alternative or supplement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a velocity perception scale for the bench press exercise.
• To assess the accuracy of perceived velocity (Vp) and perceived %1RM (%1RMp).
• To compare the accuracy of velocity perception versus %1RM estimation in relation to actual values.

Main Methods:

• Twenty healthy males participated in familiarization and testing sessions.
• Subjects performed the bench press at 7 different loads, with velocities ranging from 1.10 m/s to 0.20 m/s.
• Real velocity (Vr), perceived velocity (Vp), and perceived %1RM (%1RMp) were recorded for each repetition.

Main Results:

• High correlations were found between perceived and real velocity (r=0.94-0.95) and perceived and measured %1RM (r=0.89-0.92).
• Perceived velocity demonstrated good reliability (ICC=0.77-0.84) across loads.
• Analysis using DeltaScore (Vp-Vr) and DeltaRM (%1RMp-Vr) showed lower error for perceived velocity.

Conclusions:

• The validated velocity perception scale for the bench press is accurate and stable.
• Subjects can reliably perceive execution velocity, even with small variations across multiple loads.
• Perceived velocity is a more accurate indicator than perceived %1RM for estimating training intensity in the bench press.