Reliability and concurrent validity of the PUSH Band™ 2.0 to measure barbell velocity during the free-weight and Smith machine squat exercises

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the PUSH Band™ 2.0 to measure barbell’s velocity during unconstrained (free-weights) and constrained (Smith machine) squat exercises. After an initial assessment of the Smith machine squat one-repetition maximum (1RM), 24 resistance-trained males completed one or two testing sessions separated by 7 days. In one session, the squat was performed with free-weights ( n = 22), while in another session, the Smith machine was used ( n = 16). Both testing sessions consisted of two blocks of eight repetitions (three repetitions at 45%1RM, three repetitions at 65%1RM, and two repetitions at 85%1RM). The mean velocity of the lifting phase was simultaneously recorded with the PUSH Band™ 2.0 and a gold-standard linear velocity transducer (T-Force® System). The PUSH Band™ 2.0 generally revealed an acceptable reliability (CVrange = 5.81%–13.14%), but the reliability was always greater for the T-Force® System (CVrange = 2.95%–7.86%). Regardless of the squat exercise, the concurrent validity of the PUSH Band™ 2.0 with respect to the T-Force® System was generally low at 45%1RM (ESrange = 0.18–0.33; rrange = 0.58–0.75; SEErange = 0.04–0.05 ms−1 and 4.2%–6.0%), 65%1RM (ESrange = 0.26–0.44; rrange = 0.63–0.82; SEErange = 0.04–0.06 ms−1 and 6.0%–9.2%), and 85%1RM (ESrange = 0.61–0.64; rrange = 0.66–0.82; SEErange = 0.05–0.07 ms−1 and 11.4%–16.0%). Taken together, these results suggest that the PUSH Band™ 2.0 is a reliable, but not valid, wearable technology to measure the barbell velocity during the free-weight and Smith machine squat exercises.

Sprint Interval Training Attenuates Neuromuscular Function and Vagal Reactivity Compared With High-Intensity Functional Training in Real-World Circumstances

“…Subsequently, absolute and relative mean power set (Squat meanpowerabs, Squat meanpowerrel ), absolute and relative peak power set (Squat peakpowerabs, Squat peakpowerrel ), mean velocity set (Squat meanvel ), and peak velocity set (Squat peakvel ) of the squat were recorded with the PUSH band version 2.0 (PUSH, Inc.). This device shows adequate validity and reliability for measuring these outcomes during free-weight exercises in active adults (28). The device was placed in the barbell.…”