Velocity-Based Training: From Theory to Application

Velocity-based training (VBT) is a contemporary method of resistance training that enables accurate and objective prescription of resistance training intensities and volumes. This review provides an applied framework for the theory and application of VBT. Specifically, this review gives detail on how to: use velocity to provide objective feedback, estimate strength, develop load-velocity profiles for accurate load prescription, and how to use statistics to monitor velocity. Furthermore, a discussion on the use of velocity loss thresholds, different methods of VBT prescription, and how VBT can be implemented within traditional programming models and microcycles is provided.

[1]  F. Nakamura,et al.  Bar velocities capable of optimising the muscle power in strength-power exercises , 2017, Journal of sports sciences.

[2]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Application of velocity loss thresholds during free-weight resistance training: Responses and reproducibility of perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular outcomes , 2019, Journal of sports sciences.

[3]  Kevin Till,et al.  Visual feedback attenuates mean concentric barbell velocity loss, and improves motivation, competitiveness, and perceived workload in male adolescent athletes. , 2017, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[4]  B. Jones,et al.  The effects of traditional, superset, and tri-set resistance training structures on perceived intensity and physiological responses , 2017, European Journal of Applied Physiology.

[5]  Thomas R. Baechle,et al.  NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training , 2003 .

[6]  W G Hopkins,et al.  Design and analysis of research on sport performance enhancement. , 1999, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[7]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Differences in the Load-Velocity Profile Between 4 Bench-Press Variants. , 2017, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[8]  W. Taube,et al.  Jump performance and augmented feedback: immediate benefits and long-term training effects. , 2014, Human movement science.

[9]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Assessment of Upper-Body Ballistic Performance Through the Bench Press Throw Exercise: Which Velocity Outcome Provides the Highest Reliability? , 2018, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[10]  C. Neenan,et al.  Visual kinematic feedback enhances velocity, power, motivation and competitiveness in adolescent female athletes , 2018 .

[11]  W Guy Hornsby,et al.  The General Adaptation Syndrome: A Foundation for the Concept of Periodization , 2018, Sports Medicine.

[12]  Antonio J. Morales-Artacho,et al.  Load-Velocity Relationship in Variations of the Half-Squat Exercise: Influence of Execution Technique. , 2017, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[13]  K. Häkkinen,et al.  Effect of Loading on Unintentional Lifting Velocity Declines During Single Sets of Repetitions to Failure During Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Actions , 2005, International journal of sports medicine.

[14]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Criterion Validity, and Interunit and Between-Day Reliability of the FLEX for Measuring Barbell Velocity During Commonly Used Resistance Training Exercises. , 2020, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[15]  John F. T. Fernandes,et al.  Comparison of the FitroDyne and GymAware Rotary Encoders for Quantifying Peak and Mean Velocity During Traditional Multijointed Exercises. , 2018, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[16]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Changes in the Load-Velocity Profile Following Power- and Strength-Oriented Resistance-Training Programs. , 2020, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[17]  Harry G. Banyard,et al.  Validity of Various Methods for Determining Velocity, Force, and Power in the Back Squat. , 2017, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[18]  Will G Hopkins,et al.  Acute Effects of Verbal Feedback on Upper-Body Performance in Elite Athletes , 2011, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[19]  B. Johnstone,et al.  Effect of Physical and Academic Stress on Illness and Injury in Division 1 College Football Players , 2016, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[20]  M. Hartmann Principles And Practice Of Resistance Training , 2016 .

[21]  S. Jaric,et al.  Feasibility of the 2-Point Method for Determining the 1-Repetition Maximum in the Bench Press Exercise. , 2017, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[22]  Readiness to train: Return to baseline strength and velocity following strength or power training , 2020 .

[23]  John F. T. Fernandes,et al.  Validity of Different Velocity-Based Methods and Repetitions-to-Failure Equations for Predicting the 1 Repetition Maximum During 2 Upper-Body Pulling Exercises. , 2019, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[24]  Sophia Nimphius,et al.  Predicting Loading Intensity Measuring Velocity in Barbell Hip Thrust Exercise , 2019, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[25]  K. Doma,et al.  The Effect of Augmented Feedback Type and Frequency on Velocity-Based Training-Induced Adaptation and Retention. , 2018, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[26]  Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández,et al.  Analysis of Wearable and Smartphone-Based Technologies for the Measurement of Barbell Velocity in Different Resistance Training Exercises , 2017, Front. Physiol..

[27]  Boris Jidovtseff,et al.  Using the load-velocity relationship for 1RM prediction , 2011, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[28]  S. McLaren,et al.  The Effects of 10%, 20%, and 30% Velocity Loss Thresholds on Kinetic, Kinematic, and Repetition Characteristics During the Barbell Back Squat. , 2020, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[29]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  The load-velocity profile differs more between men and women than between individuals with different strength levels , 2019, Sports biomechanics.

[30]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  The load-velocity profiles of three upper-body pushing exercises in men and women , 2019, Sports biomechanics.

[31]  Juan José González-Badillo,et al.  Velocity loss as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue during resistance training. , 2011, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[32]  Amador García-Ramos,et al.  Reliability and concurrent validity of the Velowin optoelectronic system to measure movement velocity during the free-weight back squat , 2018, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching.

[33]  Sophia Nimphius,et al.  Maintenance of Velocity and Power With Cluster Sets During High-Volume Back Squats. , 2016, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[34]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Velocity Performance Feedback During the Free-Weight Bench Press Testing Procedure: An Effective Strategy to Increase the Reliability and One Repetition Maximum Accuracy Prediction , 2020, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[35]  J. J. González-Badillo,et al.  Movement Velocity as Indicator of Relative Intensity and Level of Effort Attained During the Set in Pull-Up Exercise. , 2017, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[36]  Jeffrey D Blume,et al.  Second-generation p-values: Improved rigor, reproducibility, & transparency in statistical analyses , 2018, PloS one.

[37]  Christopher W. Bach,et al.  Validity and reliability assessment of 3-D camera-based capture barbell velocity tracking device. , 2019, Journal of science and medicine in sport.

[38]  S. Jaric,et al.  Two-Point Method: A Quick and Fatigue-Free Procedure for Assessment of Muscle Mechanical Capacities and the 1 Repetition Maximum , 2017 .

[39]  Juan José González-Badillo,et al.  Estimation of Relative Load From Bar Velocity in the Full Back Squat Exercise , 2017, Sports Medicine International Open.

[40]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Reliability of the Load-Velocity Relationship Obtained Through Linear and Polynomial Regression Models to Predict the 1-Repetition Maximum Load. , 2017, Journal of applied biomechanics.

[41]  Amador García-Ramos,et al.  Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Seven Commercially Available Devices for the Assessment of Movement Velocity at Different Intensities During the Bench Press , 2019, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[42]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Reliability and validity of different methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise , 2019, Journal of sports sciences.

[43]  B. Jones,et al.  Show Me, Tell Me, Encourage Me: The Effect of Different Forms of Feedback on Resistance Training Performance. , 2020, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[44]  Douglas Curran-Everett,et al.  Explorations in statistics: confidence intervals. , 2009, Advances in physiology education.

[45]  Mark F. Smith,et al.  Comparison of Velocity-Based and Traditional Percentage-Based Loading Methods on Maximal Strength and Power Adaptations. , 2019, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[46]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Load–velocity profiling in the military press exercise: Effects of gender and training , 2018 .

[47]  Mildred L. Patten,et al.  Measures of Reliability , 2017 .

[48]  Antonio J. Morales-Artacho,et al.  Effect of different velocity loss thresholds during a power-oriented resistance training program on the mechanical capacities of lower-body muscles , 2018, Journal of sports sciences.

[49]  Greg Haff,et al.  Essentials of strength training and conditioning , 2016 .

[50]  Liam J. Hughes,et al.  Using Load-Velocity Relationships to Predict 1rm in Free-Weight Exercise: A Comparison of the Different Methods. , 2019, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[51]  D. Cleather,et al.  THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF REPETITIONS PERFORMED AT GIVEN INTENSITIES IS DIFFERENT IN ENDURANCE AND STRENGTH TRAINED ATHLETES , 2014, Biology of sport.

[52]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  The addition of very light loads into the routine testing of the bench press increases the reliability of the force–velocity relationship , 2018, PeerJ.

[53]  G. Haff,et al.  Reliability and Validity of the Load–Velocity Relationship to Predict the 1RM Back Squat , 2017, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[54]  F. Pareja-Blanco,et al.  Effects of Velocity Loss During Resistance Training on Performance in Professional Soccer Players. , 2017, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[55]  J. Cronin,et al.  Application of the Repetitions in Reserve-Based Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale for Resistance Training , 2016, Strength and conditioning journal.

[56]  J. Sampson,et al.  The Effects of Augmented Feedback on Sprint, Jump, and Strength Adaptations in Rugby Union Players Following a Four Week Training Programme. , 2019, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[57]  B. Jones,et al.  Jump Training in Rugby Union Players: Barbell or Hexagonal Bar? , 2018, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[58]  Tim Meyer,et al.  Repeated testing for the assessment of individual response to exercise training. , 2018, Journal of applied physiology.

[59]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Assessment of the loaded squat jump and countermovement jump exercises with a linear velocity transducer: which velocity variable provides the highest reliability? , 2019, Sports biomechanics.

[60]  Sandra K. Hunter,et al.  Sex Differences and Mechanisms of Task-Specific Muscle Fatigue , 2009, Exercise and sport sciences reviews.

[61]  K. Taylor,et al.  Validity and Reliability of the Load-Velocity Relationship to Predict the One-Repetition Maximum in Deadlift , 2017, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[62]  R. Emsley,et al.  DELTA 2 guidance on choosing the target difference and undertaking and reporting the sample size calculation for a randomised controlled trial , 2018 .

[63]  N. Gill,et al.  Effect of Instantaneous Performance Feedback During 6 Weeks of Velocity-Based Resistance Training on Sport-Specific Performance Tests , 2011, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[64]  Christopher R. Bellon,et al.  The Importance of Muscular Strength: Training Considerations , 2018, Sports Medicine.

[65]  Anne M. Scheel,et al.  Equivalence Testing for Psychological Research: A Tutorial , 2018, Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science.

[66]  J. J. González-Badillo,et al.  Importance of the Propulsive Phase in Strength Assessment , 2009, International journal of sports medicine.

[67]  Richard Emsley,et al.  Choosing the target difference and undertaking and reporting the sample size calculation for a randomised controlled trial – the development of the DELTA2 guidance , 2018, Trials.

[68]  William S. Helton,et al.  Presenting objective visual performance feedback over multiple sets of resistance exercise improves motivation, competitiveness, and performance , 2018, Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.

[69]  K. Häkkinen,et al.  Kinematics, Kinetics, and Muscle Activation during Explosive Upper Body Movements , 1996 .

[70]  Sophia Nimphius,et al.  The Importance of Muscular Strength in Athletic Performance , 2016, Sports Medicine.

[71]  W G Hopkins,et al.  Measures of Reliability in Sports Medicine and Science , 2000, Sports medicine.

[72]  M. Jovanović,et al.  From the Field RESEARCHED APPLICATIONS OF VELOCITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING , 2014 .

[73]  J. J. González-Badillo,et al.  Movement Velocity as a Measure of Loading Intensity in Resistance Training , 2010, International journal of sports medicine.

[74]  G Atkinson,et al.  Statistical Methods For Assessing Measurement Error (Reliability) in Variables Relevant to Sports Medicine , 1998, Sports medicine.

[75]  R. Newton,et al.  Adaptations in athletic performance after ballistic power versus strength training. , 2010, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[76]  Filipe Conceição,et al.  Movement velocity as a measure of exercise intensity in three lower limb exercises , 2016, Journal of sports sciences.

[77]  William S. Helton,et al.  Real-time quantitative performance feedback during strength exercise improves motivation, competitiveness, mood, and performance , 2017 .

[78]  Juan José González-Badillo,et al.  Velocity Loss as a Variable for Monitoring Resistance Exercise , 2017, International Journal of Sports Medicine.

[79]  J. Chicharro,et al.  Load-, Force-, and Power-Velocity Relationships in the Prone Pull-Up Exercise. , 2017, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[80]  Fernando Naclerio,et al.  Technical Note on Using the Movement Velocity to Estimate the Relative Load in Resistance Exercises - Letter to the Editor. , 2018, Sports medicine international open.

[81]  A. García-Ramos,et al.  Mean Velocity vs. Mean Propulsive Velocity vs. Peak Velocity: Which Variable Determines Bench Press Relative Load With Higher Reliability? , 2017, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[82]  Liam J. Hughes,et al.  Using Load-Velocity Relationships to Quantify Training-Induced Fatigue , 2019, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[83]  Jason P. Lake,et al.  Comparison of Different Minimal Velocity Thresholds to Establish Deadlift One Repetition Maximum , 2017, Sports.

[84]  J. J. González-Badillo,et al.  Velocity- and Power-Load Relationships of the Bench Pull vs. Bench Press Exercises , 2013, International Journal of Sports Medicine.

[85]  T. Suchomel,et al.  Force-Velocity Relationship in three Different Variations of Prone Row Exercises. , 2021, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[86]  Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández,et al.  Validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app for the measurement of barbell velocity and 1RM on the bench-press exercise , 2018, Journal of sports sciences.

[87]  B. Jones,et al.  The effects of superset configuration on kinetic, kinematic, and perceived exertion in the barbell bench press. , 2017, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[88]  D. Lakens Equivalence Tests: A Practical Primer for t Tests, Correlations, and Meta-Analyses , 2015 .

[89]  J. Loenneke,et al.  Training to Fatigue: The Answer for Standardization When Assessing Muscle Hypertrophy? , 2017, Sports Medicine.

[90]  Sander Greenland,et al.  Valid P-Values Behave Exactly as They Should: Some Misleading Criticisms of P-Values and Their Resolution With S-Values , 2019, The American Statistician.

[91]  Juan José González-Badillo,et al.  Effects of velocity loss during resistance training on athletic performance, strength gains and muscle adaptations , 2017, Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports.