Submaximal Elastic Resistance Band Tests to Estimate Upper and Lower Extremity Maximal Muscle Strength

Abstract

Muscle strength assessment is fundamental to track the progress of performance and prescribe correct exercise intensity. In field settings, simple tests are preferred. This study develops equations to estimate maximal muscle strength in upper- and lower-extremity muscles based on submaximal elastic resistance tests. Healthy adults (n = 26) performed a maximal test (1 RM) to validate the ability of the subsequent submaximal tests to determine maximal muscle strength, with elastic bands. Using a within-group repeated measures design, three submaximal tests of 40%, 60%, and 80% during (1) shoulder abduction, (2) shoulder external rotation, (3) hip adduction, and (4) prone knee flexion were performed. The association between number of repetitions and relative intensity was modeled with both 1st and 2nd order polynomials to determine the best predictive validity. For both upper-extremity tests, a strong linear association between repetitions and relative intensity was found (R2 = 0.97–1.00). By contrast, for the lower-extremity tests, the associations were fitted better with a 2nd order polynomial (R2 = 1.00). The results from the present study provide formulas for predicting maximal muscles strength based on submaximal resistance in four different muscles groups and show a muscle-group-specific association between repetitions and intensity.

The Efficacy of Upper-Extremity Elastic Resistance Training on Shoulder Strength and Performance: A Systematic Review

“…These 1RM increases were observed across a diverse participant pool; the five studies that had 1RM as an outcome metric included university-aged participants of both sexes [33], national-level handball players [26], and post-menopausal women [45]; these groups collectively saw reported 1RM increases of 13-24%. These 1RM tests were completed using non-elastic equipment such as CYBEX machines, but strong relationships between submaximal elastic resistance and estimated maximal strength have been quantified and could be used in future research designs [53]. Due to the lack of homogeneity in the exercise interventions of the studies included and the range of initial strength and normalized strength increases, an optimal prescription of upper extremity training with elastic resistance cannot be concluded, and further research is needed.…”

Estimation of One-Repetition Maximum, Type, and Repetition of Resistance Band Exercise Using RGB Camera and Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors

“…The length of the band was reduced to half the reference length (ensuring a tensile rate of 100% in the corresponding posture) and was folded into a double layer. Based on the manufacturer’s specification, a band with the force most similar to the dumbbell-based 1−RM estimated force was selected as the starting weight of the experiment [ 20 , 36 ]. Up to three bands of different colors were used in layers.…”

“…Strength assessment using resistance bands (as alternatives to weighted objects) also delivers high validity and reliability, like those of the optimal standard [ 19 ]. This assessment is measured as the force of the bands [ 20 ].…”

Scapular Kinematics in Overhead Squat with and without Elastic Resistance: Insights from Kinetic Chain Approach and Therapeutic Implications for Shoulder Rehabilitation

“…Its applicability spans across diverse populations, from the youth to the elderly, as well as athletes. However, many existing approaches primarily emphasize unidirectional resistance, whether in association with the kinetic chain [31][32][33][34] or not [28,35]. What's missing is the full integration of elastic resistance into a kinetic chain approach that permeates the entirety of the activity.…”