Muscle Strength Testing
1RM and 4-6 RM Testing
Dinh Nguyen
Michelle Rumpel
Kristian Blanco
Muscular Strength
• Ability of a muscle group to develop maximal contractile
force against a resistance in a single contraction.
• Static strength = maximal force produced when limb is
not moving
• Dynamic strength = maximal force produced in a single
contraction at a specified velocity
Reasons for Testing Muscle Strength
Establish baselines before training
Monitor progress while training
Assess effectiveness of programs
In KRG- to have information to compare to the bone
scanning data
Diagnose Certain disorders/pathologies that may affect
muscle strength or nerve damage causing muscles to
not activating.
Ways to Test Muscle Strength
Manual Muscle Tests
Functional Performance Training
Dynamometer- force exerted on machine measured in Kg and lbs
1 Rep Max- highest weight that one repetition of movement can be performed
with proper form before muscle failure
4-6 Rep Max- highest weight that 4-6 repetitions of movement can be
performed with proper form before muscle failure
Muscles used in Grip Strength
Muscles Used in Leg Extension
Quadriceps:
Rectus femoris
Vastus Intermedius
Vastus Medius
Vastus Lateralis
Muscles Used in Leg Flexion
Hamstrings:
Biceps Femoris
Semimebranosus
Semitendinosus
Muscles Used in Plantar Flexion
Gastocnemius
Soleus
Plantaris
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Tibialis Posterior
Muscles used in Dorsiflexion
Tibialis Anterior
Extensor Hallucis
Longus
Extensor Digitorum
Longus
Peroneus Tertius
Significance of Research
1 rep max is not always practical, especially
with older patients
Less chance of injury with a 4-6 rep max
because of lower weight
Research Question
Research Question- How accurate is the 4-6
rep max prediction equation in determining
the actual 1 rep max?
Methodology 6 Participants: 4 Males and 2 Females
Ages: 19 - 23
Activity Level: Active
-Grip strength (Dynamometer)
-Quads (Leg Extension Machine)
5 minute rest
-Hamstring (Leg Curl Machine)
5 minute rest
-Plantarflexion (Rotary Calf Machine)
Methodology
For each 1 rep max test: 1. 8-10 reps of light weight for warm up and to gain proper form
2. 30 second rest
3. Increase weight and try 1 rep
4. Continue to increase weight until failure
For each 4-6 rep max test: 1. 8-10 reps of light weight for warm up and to gain proper form
2. 30 second rest
3. Increase weight and and try 4-6 rep max
4. Continue to increase weight until failure
Assessment Tools Hand Dynamometer (Grip)
Cybex leg extension machine→ quadriceps
Assessment Tools Cybex seated leg curl
machine→ hamstrings
Cybex rotary calf
machine→ plantarflexion
Assessment Tools Handheld Dynamometer for Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion
Assessment Tools
Cybex leg extension machine→ quadriceps
Cybex seated leg curl machine→ hamstrings
Cybex rotary calf machine→ plantarflexion
Just learned we have a portable dynamometer
1 RM Prediction Equations
Results
Results
Results
Current Literature - LaSuer, D. et al. “The accuracy of Prediction Equations for Estimating 1-RM
Performance in the Bench Press, Squat and Deadlift” (1997).
- Dohoney, P. et al. “Prediction of One Repetition Maximum (1-RM) Strength
from a 4-6 RM and a 7-10 RM Submaximal Strength Test in Healthy Young
Adult Males” (2002).
Possible Errors in Procedure
Rest Time/warm-ups
Correct Form
Reps until reaching max
Practice Bias
Order of testing
No familiarization with equipment
Challenges Faced
Getting in touch as a group
Lack of time to meet up
Time for preparation
Time for conducting research
Lack of equipment