Sensitivity of Load-velocity Relationship Variables to a Resistance Training Mesocycle

This study examined whether load-velocity relationship variables are sensitive indicators of maximal dynamic strength changes across introductory, overload, and taper microcycles. Twenty resistance-trained men completed a 3-week back squat and bench press program. One-repetition maximum and the two-point load-velocity relationship (20 kg and ~85% one-repetition maximum) were assessed before the introductory microcycle and after each microcycle. The results showed that (i) one-repetition maximum, area under the load-velocity relationship line (A _line), and velocity-axis intercept (v ₀) derived from peak velocity generally increased after the taper microcycle compared to earlier post-microcycle assessments (p≤0.046, differences=2.3-7.8%); (ii) the overload (coefficient of variation of individual response=5.1%) and taper (3.8%) microcycles exhibited greater variability compared with the introductory microcycle (2.0%). Among the monitored variables, variability was lowest for v ₀ (0%), followed by one-repetition maximum and L ₀ (4.1%), and highest for A _line (5.3%); and (iii) A _line derived from mean velocity was the only variable that maintained a significant association with changes in one-repetition maximum across exercises and microcycles (r=0.648-0.765, p≤0.003). These findings indicate that while short mesocycles elicit substantial inter-individual variability in adaptations, A _line derived from mean velocity offers a practical, fatigue-free method to monitor meaningful maximal strength changes throughout a training cycle.