Abstract des Autors

One repetition maximum test (1RM) is often used to evaluate muscle strength and to prescribe the intensity of strength training. However, the determination of the initial test load, and duration of the test make difficult to use the same in non-individualised environments. To determine coefficients to estimate the maximum strength (1RM), based on the relationship between muscular strength, lean body mass and total body mass. Twenty-eight strength-trained and non-strength-trained men participated in this study. Muscle strength was determined using the 1 RM test in the bench press, supported barbell row, 45° leg press and squat exercise, while body composition was measured using the skinfolds method. After verifying the correlations between muscular strength and body mass and composition, the coefficients to predict the maximal strength were calculated by dividing the value of the 1 RM by the total body mass and lean body mass (kg) and by linear regression equation based in these parameters. Significant correlations were found between body mass and lean body mass with muscular strength in all the exercises (r = 0.47 - 0.76, P < 0.05). The greatest correlations were observed between the muscular strength values and lean body mass. There was a significant difference between the coefficients obtained from trained and non-trained subjects in all the tested exercises (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the coefficients of prediction of the 1RM should take into account the body composition and the training status of the individuals. Verf.-Referat