Validity of different prediction equations of the maximum load in mixed martial arts athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of different prediction equations to the one maximum repetition (1-RM) test at the bench press exercise (BP) with bar in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. The sample was composed by 19 male MMA athletes (27.68 ± 6.19 years). The data collection was performed in two different moments: 1) in 1-RM test; 2) in submaximal test and their respective numbers of repetitions. The paired-sample t test was performed and was noted that, among the six equations compared with the 1-RM test, only the Adams (p= 0.337) and O’Conner’s (p= 0.250) equations showed no significant differences. However, there were high Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (r= 0.924, ICC= 0.924; r= 0.944, ICC= 0.944), respectively. Nevertheless, all equations showed high correlations that ranged between 0.854 and 0.944. In conclusion, for estimation of 1-RM, the predictive equations based on Adams and O'Conner’s are valid in MMA athletes.