Can isometric testing substitute for the one repetition maximum squat test?

Abstract

When measuring maximum strength, a high accuracy and precision is required to monitor the training adaptations. Based on available reliability parameters, the literature suggests the replacement of the one repetition maximum (1RM) by isometric testing to save testing time. However, from a statistical point of view, correlation coefficients do not provide the required information when aiming to replace one test by another. Therefore, the literature suggests the inclusion of the mean absolute error (MAE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for agreement analysis. Consequently, to check the replaceability of 1RM testing methods, the current study examined the agreement of isometric and dynamic testing methods in the squat and the isometric mid-thigh pull. While in accordance with the literature, correlations were classified high r = 0.638-0.828 and ICC = 0.630-0.828, the agreement analysis provided MAEs of 175.75-444.17 N and MAPEs of 16.16-57.71% indicating an intolerable high measurement error between isometric and dynamic testing conditions in the squat and isometric mid-thigh pull. In contrast to previous studies, using MAE, MAPE supplemented by CCC and BA analysis highlights the poor agreement between the included strength tests. The recommendation to replace 1RM testing with isometric testing routines in the squat does not provide suitable concordance and is not recommended.