Reliability and Comparability of the Accelerometer and the Linear Position Measuring Device in Resistance Training

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the intermachine reliability attained from devices used to measure the common variables in sports performance. Repeatability conditions were established by creating a similar set of conditions under which the measurements were taken from both devices. The objectives of this research were to demonstrate the reliability between two devices in a bench press movement--the linear position measuring device (LPM) isoinertial dynamometer (T-Force) and the 3D (Myotest) accelerometer (AC)--and to compare the existing correlations between maximum velocity, maximum estimated strength, and peak power estimate variables in the bench press exercise. Forty bench press exercise trials were analyzed simultaneously, performed by 3 different subjects (age: 26.74 ± 1.2 years, height: 175.74 ± 4.04 cm, weight: 78.7 ± 3.35 kg) at maximum velocity (25 kg additional load). Three simple linear regression models were developed, supplied by the LPM on the basis of the AC data. The assumption of independence of errors was compared by means of the Durban-Watson test, and partial autocorrelation coefficients were established at an overall p < 0.05 significance level. It has not been possible to confirm the presence of a general correlation between the measurements of both devices. Regarding the assumption of independence of errors, the presence of generalized autocorrelation was confirmed. Linear regression analysis revealed an intermachine correlation in one of the nonconclusive cases, (peak power) variable and subject 1, r (10) = 0.640, p = 0.024. No partial autocorrelation was found. The devices should not be used interchangeably as instruments.