The Effect of Lifting Straps on the Prediction of the Maximal Neuromuscular Capabilities and 1 Repetition Maximum During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise.

Miras-Moreno, S and García-Ramos, A. The effect of lifting straps on the prediction of the maximal neuromuscular capabilities and 1 repetition maximum during the prone bench pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e638-e644, 2024-This study examined the effects of using lifting straps in the prone bench pull exercise on (a) the magnitude of the load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables (load-axis intercept, velocity-axis intercept, and area under the L-V relationship line) and (b) the accuracy of the L-V relationship in predicting the 1 repetition maximum (1RM). In a counterbalanced sequence, 20 resistance-trained male subjects performed 2 identical experimental sessions, 1 with and 1 without lifting straps. During each session, subjects sequentially lifted 4 loads (14 kg, 85% 1RM, and 2 intermediate loads), followed by 1RM attempts. The L-V relationship was modelled using both multiple-point (4 loads) and 2-point (14 kg-85% 1RM) methods, whereas 3 types of minimal velocity thresholds (MVT) were used for 1RM prediction: (a) general MVT (averaged across the subjects velocity of the 1RM trial), (b) individual MVT (individual velocity of the 1RM trial), and (c) average optimal MVT (averaged across the subjects velocity that eliminates the differences between the actual and predicted 1RM). Irrespective of lifting straps use, which had no impact on the L-V relationship or the accuracy of 1RM prediction, we observed: (a) greater L-V relationship variables when obtained by the 2-point method compared with the multiple-point method (p < 0.001; effect size range = 0.353-0.639) and (b) the lowest absolute errors (<4.0 kg) in 1RM prediction for the 2-point method combined with the average optimal MVT (p < 0.001). These results reinforce the 2-point method applied in field conditions and the average optimal MVT for the routine testing of the L-V relationship.