Abstract
441 INTRODUCTION: The one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength test holds promise as a valuable tool to monitor changes in muscle function following therapeutic treatment. Neuromuscular adaptation to repeated bouts of 1-RM measurement and/or acclimation to testing equipment may inflate repeated strength scores, and constitute a “learning effect.” The purpose of this study was to observe whether test-retest 1-RM muscle strength is subject to a learning effect relative to age, gender, health, and training status. METHODS: Participants were 10 weight-trained and 12 untrained, healthy or clinically stable HIV-infected men and women, 17-65 years old. Maximal isotonic muscle strength was assessed on a multi-gym apparatus on 3 occasions spaced at weekly intervals, for the biceps curl, quadriceps extension, bench press, and seated row. Weights were lifted progressively until a single lift at a maximum level was achieved utilizing correct form. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA showed no evidence of a training effect for muscle or subject groups (P>0.05). The observed strength changes between trials were within 4%. Women had similar absolute strength changes vs men, but higher relative changes. Neither age, gender, health, or training status was a significant predictor of muscle function change, as confirmed by multiple regression analysis (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 1-RM strength test is a reliable method to assess muscle function in various populations. Results of muscle strength tests should be interpreted with caution due to gender-related differences in variance.
Published Version
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