Anthropometric Dimensions Do Not Enhance One Repetition Maximum Prediction From the NFL-225 Test in College Football Players

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Mayhew, J.L., J.A. Jacques, J.S. Ware, P.P. Chapman, M.G. Bemben, T.E. Ward, and J.P. Slovak. Anthropometric dimensions do not enhance one repetition maximum prediction from the NFL-225 test in college football players. J. Strength Cond. Res. 18(3):572–578. 2004.—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of anthropometric dimensions to improving the accuracy of repetitions-to-fatigue (RTF) using an absolute load of 225 lbs to predict 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance in college football players. Sixty-one players from an NCAA Division II team were evaluated for 1RM bench press performance, RTF using an absolute load of 225 lbs, and measured (5 skinfolds, 2 skeletal length, and 2 muscle circumferences). Anthropometric dimensions (percent fat, lean body mass, and arm cross-sectional areas) were derived at the conclusion of 8 weeks of heavy resistance training during the off-season. None of the anthropometric dimensions made a significant additional contribution to RTF (r = 0.96, SEE = 12.3 lbs) for predicting 1RM. Of the currently available NFL-225 prediction equations found in the literature nonsignificantly underestimated 1RM from RTF by an average of 1.1 lbs (±12.7 lbs), whereas 5 other RTF equations significantly overpredicted by 3.5–9.0 lbs (±12.2–14.1 lbs). Anthropometric dimensions neither reduced the error associated with prediction of 1RM bench press using the NFL-225 test in college football players nor do they explain why some players are significantly over- or underpredicted when using muscle endurance repetitions.