Evaluation of Repetitions-to-Failure Equations in the Presence of Male and Female Spotters

Authors

Clarissa M. Guerrero, Texas A&M International UniversityFollow
Kyung-Shin Park, Texas A&M International UniversityFollow
Brett S. Nickerson, Texas A&M International UniversityFollow

Abstract

One-repetition maximum (1RM) is commonly evaluated in strength and conditioning programs in order to monitor the progress of exercise prescriptions. Although the benefits of muscular strength are well-known, conducting 1RM protocols can be time consuming and is not recommended for certain populations. Alternatively, the estimation of 1RM can be completed by utilizing a repetitions-to-failure (RTF) approach. However, one area that has yet to be systematically evaluated is whether the accuracy of RTF prediction equations is influenced by the sex of a spotter during a 1RM testing protocol. Purpose: The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine whether differences in RTF, measured 1RM, and 1RM prediction methods vary between lifter and spotter sex; and 2) determine the validity of the 1RM prediction methods in the presence of either a male or female spotter. Methods: 20 resistance-trained individuals (50% males) participated in this study. The first two visits determined 1RM (kg) bench press scores in the presence of a male or female spotter. Subjects bench-pressed loads at 30 (5-repetitions), 50 (5-repetitions) and 70% 1RM (RTF) in the presence of a male or female spotter for visits 3 and 4. Estimated 1RM was determined via the RTF at 70% 1RM using Wathan (Wathan_1RM), Mayhew (Mayhew_1RM), and Epley (Epley_1RM) equations. Results: There were significant interactions when assessing Wathan_1RM and Mayhew_1RM (pPost hoc analysis revealed Wathan_1RM and Mayhew_1RM were significantly higher during the male spotter condition (58.13±11.05 and 54.07±10.32kg, respectively) than female spotter condition (54.30±10.61 and 50.53±9.91kg) when evaluated in female weight lifters (p=0.032 and 0.033, respectively). Evaluation of mean differences revealed that the constant error (CE) for male and female spotter conditions was lower for Epley_1RM (CE = 4.98 and 4.75kg, respectively)than Wathan_1RM (CE = 16.19 and 16.06kg, respectively)and Mayhew_1RM (CE = 8.79 and 8.65kg, respectively)_. Moreover the 95% limits of agreement for male and female spotter conditions were smaller for Epley_1RM (±13.79 and 13.62kg, respectively) than Wathan_1RM (±26.49 and 22.95kg, respectively)and Mayhew_1RM (±19.82 and 17.13kg, respectively)_. Conclusions: Epley_1RM should be used over Wathan_1RM and Mayhew_1RM when loads up to 70% 1RM are implemented. Also, spotter sex only appears to impact female lifters when employing the prediction equations of Wathan_1RM and Mayhew_1RM.

Recommended Citation

Guerrero, Clarissa M.; Park, Kyung-Shin; and Nickerson, Brett S. (2020) "Evaluation of Repetitions-to-Failure Equations in the Presence of Male and Female Spotters," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 12, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss12/3