Validation of the NFL-225 test for predicting 1-RM bench press performance in college football players.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of repetitions-to-fatigue (RTF) using an absolute load of 102.3 kg (225 lbs) to estimate one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press performance in college football players using various prediction equations.


METHODS



METHODS
a prospective study on the association between muscular endurance and muscular strength.


METHODS
260 players from NCAA Division IA (n=43), IAA (n=63), II (n=129), and red-shirts (n=25) were evaluated at the conclusion of a minimum of eight weeks of heavy-resistance training during the off-season.


METHODS
all subjects performed a 1-RM bench press and RTF using an absolute load of 102.3 kg.


RESULTS
The Mayhew et al. NFL-225 equation nonsignificantly overestimated 1-RM from RTF by 0.5 kg, while the Chapman et al. NFL-225 equation significantly underpredicted by 3.2 kg, although both equations were comparable in the number of players predicted within +/-4.5 kg of actual 1-RM (52% vs 51%, respectively). Only two of nine RTF equations currently in use produced predicted 1-RM values that were not significantly different from actual 1-RM performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific NFL-225 equations are more accurate in estimating 1-RM bench press from absolute muscle endurance in college football players than previous published RTF equations. The accuracy of prediction decreases at higher repetitions.
Mayhew
J L
JL
Human Performance Laboratory, Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri 63501, USA. jmayhew@truman.edu
Ware
J S
JS
Cannon
K
K
Corbett
S
S
Chapman
P P
PP
Bemben
M G
MG
Ward
T E
TE
Farris
B
B
Juraszek
J
J
Slovak
J P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology