Affiliations: [a] Institute of Sports Science/Sports Centre, Augsburg University, Augsburg, Germany | [b] Therapy and Training Department, Hessingpark-Clinic GmbH, Augsburg, Germany
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple repetition maximum (M-RM)
strength tests are suitable alternatives to the 1-repetition maximum (1-RM)
strength test, particularly in the elderly. In comparison to the 1-RM
strength test the research about the reproducibility of M-RM strength tests
is very limited, leading to a lack of standardized test protocols for M-RM
strength tests. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the
test-retest reproducibility of a 5-repetition maximum (5-RM) strength test
in older adults.
METHODS: After a short preparation session, 28 healthy elderly
people older than 60 years (14 men, 14 women) and with at least 3 months
strength training experience passed a 5-RM strength test. The test included
exercises for the upper body, namely bench press and seated row, and were
performed twice within 7 days on the same day of the week at the same time
of the day.
RESULTS: Significant differences between test and retest (p <
0.05) in 2/6 instances provide evidence of practice-based improvement (PBI).
A very high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.90; p < 0.001)
was found for the total sample as well as for both sub-samples (men, women).
The coefficients of variation were very low and ranged between 0.7 and 2.8%. The high test-retest reproducibility was also demonstrated by the
narrow limits of agreements, the very little standard errors of measurements
and the minimal smallest real differences.
CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the reproducibility of the
5-RM strength test for upper body exercises in older adults with strength
training experience. The 5-RM strength test is a reliable and simple
measurement and can be used in sports practice for theoretical and practical
purposes.
Keywords: Maximum strength, strength diagnostics, strength training, training load
