Velocity Change Estimation by Subjective Measures Over a Wide-Load Spectrum in Squat and Bench Press

Abstract

This study compared whether the perception of effort measured on a repetition-by-repetition basis during continuous sets to failure is different between squat (SQ) and bench press (BP). After determining the one repetition maximum (1RM) value in both SQ and BP, 18 subjects (28.2 ± 5 years, 50% women) performed 7 sets to failure per exercise, separated by 24-48 hours, alternating SQ and BP, using the following relative load ranges: 30 < 40%, 40 < 50%, 50 < 60%, 60% < 70%, 70 < 80%, 80 < 90%, and >90%. The mean accelerative velocity (MAV) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) using the OMNI-RES (0-10) scale were measured for every repetition of each set. The ability of the OMNI-RES (0-10) scale to identify velocity changes during continuous sets to volitional failure and to distinguish loading zones divided into 10% slots, from 30 to 100% of 1RM was confirmed for both SQ and BP. The RPE values measured at (a) the first repetition; (b) the repetition where MAV peaks; (c) the repetition where MAV drops by ≤10% compared the maximum and (d) the last repetition, showed no differences (p > 0.05, d < 0.2) between exercises. In conclusion, the same RPE scores can be applied to both exercises, for either estimating the relative load or monitoring changes in MAV during continuous sets to failure.