Force-Velocity Relationship in three Different Variations of Prone Row Exercises.

This study examined the force-velocity relationship and tested the possibility of determining the relative loading intensity (% 1RM) in three different variations of prone row exercises. Thirty male top-level athletes from two different sports (National Team rugby union players and professional mixed martial arts fighters) were submitted to maximum dynamic strength assessments in the free prone bench pull, bent over barbell row, and bent over Smith-machine row, following standard procedures encompassing lifts performed from 40 to 100% of 1RM. The mean velocity, mean propulsive velocity, and peak velocity were measured in all attempts. Linear regression analyses were performed to establish the relationships between the different measures of bar-velocities and %1RM. The actual (obtained during the assessments) and predicted 1RM values (based on the predictive equations) for each exercise were compared using a paired t-test. In all exercises, the predicted 1RM scores - based on all velocity variables- were not different from their respective actual values. The close linear relationships between bar-velocities and distinct %1RM (coefficient of determination ≥ 80%, in all experimental conditions) allow precise determination of relative load and maximum dynamic strength, and enable coaches and sports scientists to use the different velocity outputs to rapidly and accurately monitor their athletes on a daily basis.