title: W5″ Test: A simple method for measuring mean power output in the bench press exercise.
abstract: The aims of the present study were to assess the validity and reliability of a novel simple test [Five Seconds Power Test (W5″ Test)] for estimating the mean power output during the bench press exercise at different loads, and its sensitivity to detect training-induced changes. Thirty trained young men completed as many repetitions as possible in a time of ≈5 s at 25%, 45%, 65% and 85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in two test sessions separated by four days. The number of repetitions, linear displacement of the bar and time needed to complete the test were recorded by two independent testers, and a linear encoder was used as the criterion measure. For each load, the mean power output was calculated in the W5″ Test as mechanical work per time unit and compared with that obtained from the linear encoder. Subsequently, 20 additional subjects (10 training group vs. 10 control group) were assessed before and after completing a seven-week training programme designed to improve maximal power. Results showed that both assessment methods correlated highly in estimating mean power output at different loads (r range: 0.86-0.94; p < .01) and detecting training-induced changes (R(2): 0.78). Good to excellent intra-tester (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.81-0.97) and excellent inter-tester (ICC range: 0.96-0.99; coefficient of variation range: 2.4-4.1%) reliability was found for all loads. The W5″ Test was shown to be a valid, reliable and sensitive method for measuring mean power output during the bench press exercise in subjects who have previous resistance training experience.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Strength & Conditioning , Italian Football Federation , Coverciano , Italy.|b INEFC - Barcelona, Sports Performance Lab, Sports Science Research Group , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tous-Fajardo
authors.affiliation: b INEFC - Barcelona, Sports Performance Lab, Sports Science Research Group , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Moras
authors.affiliation: b INEFC - Barcelona, Sports Performance Lab, Sports Science Research Group , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Jiménez
authors.affiliation: c Faculty of Health Sciences , University of San Jorge (USJ) , Zaragoza , Spain.
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gonzalo-Skok
authors.affiliation: b INEFC - Barcelona, Sports Performance Lab, Sports Science Research Group , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Busquets
authors.affiliation: d Department of Physiology , Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa , Basque Country , Spain.|e School of Kinesiology and Health Research Center , Faculty of Medicine, Finis Terrae University , Santiago , Chile.
authors.forename: Iñigo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mujika
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055070:Resistance Training; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Power assessment; intra-tester reliability; resistance training; validity