Abstract
This study investigated the inter-day and intra-device reliability, and criterion validity of six devices for measuring barbell velocity in the free-weight back squat and power clean. In total, 10 competitive weightlifters completed an initial one repetition maximum (1RM) assessment followed by three load-velocity profiles (40–100% 1RM) in both exercises on four separate occasions. Mean and peak velocity was measured simultaneously on each device and compared to 3D motion capture for all repetitions. Reliability was assessed via coefficient of variation (CV) and typical error (TE). Least products regression (LPR) (R2) and limits of agreement (LOA) assessed the validity of the devices. The Gymaware was the most reliable for both exercises (CV < 10%; TE < 0.11 m·s−1, except 100% 1RM (mean velocity) and 90‒100% 1RM (peak velocity)), with MyLift and PUSH following a similar trend. Poorer reliability was observed for Beast Sensor and Bar Sensei (CV = 5.1–119.9%; TE = 0.08–0.48 m·s−1). The Gymaware was the most valid device, with small systematic bias and no proportional or fixed bias evident across both exercises (R2 > 0.42–0.99 LOA = −0.03–0.03 m·s−1). Comparable validity data was observed for MyLift in the back squat. Both PUSH devices produced some fixed and proportional bias, with Beast Sensor and Bar Sensei being the least valid devices across both exercises (R2 > 0.00–0.96, LOA = −0.36–0.46 m·s−1). Linear position transducers and smartphone applications could be used to obtain velocity-based data, with inertial measurement units demonstrating poorer reliability and validity.
Highlights
Strong inverse linear relationships between load and velocity exist across many resistance-based exercises [1,2,3]
The facilitation and monitoring of training prescriptions, fatigue management, daily strength estimations, and motivation have all been proposed as benefits to implementing velocity-based measures in to practice [3,4,5]
Research has investigated the reliability of several devices in exercises such as the back squat, bench press, deadlift, and bench-pull [6,7,8,9]
Summary
Strong inverse linear relationships between load and velocity exist across many resistance-based exercises [1,2,3]. The facilitation and monitoring of training prescriptions, fatigue management, daily strength estimations, and motivation have all been proposed as benefits to implementing velocity-based measures in to practice [3,4,5]. The reliability and validity of some technologies such as linear position transducers (LPT), inertial measurement units (IMU), and smartphone applications designed to measure barbell velocity and facilitate the above still need further clarification in certain exercises. Comparisons between devices will provide coaches with practical recommendations on the most appropriate technology to utilize in the field. LPTs (e.g., Gymaware, Tendo, Speed4Lifts, etc.) are typically considered the most appropriate tool for measuring barbell velocity in applied
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