Barbell Velocity in Strength Training – A Literature Review
By: Weronika Zielińska and Paulina Szyszka
References
- Sánchez-Medina L., Pallaré J. G., Pérez C.E., Morán-Navarro R., González-Badillo J.J. (2017). Estimation of relative load from bar velocity in the full back squat exercise. Sports Medicine International Open 1(2), E80-E88. DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-102933
- Haff G.G., Garcia-Ramos A., James L.P. (2020). Using velocity to predict the maximum dynamic strength in the power clean. Sports (Basel, Switzerland) 8(9), 129. DOI: 10.3390/sports8090129
- Nagao H., Huang Z., Kubo Y. (2023). Biomechanical comparison of successful snatch and unsuccessful frontward barbell drop in world-class male weightlifters. Sports Biomechanics 22(9), 1120-1135. DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2020.1787498
- Balsalobre-Fernández C., Torres-Ronda L. (2021). The implementation of velocity-based training paradigm for team sports: Framework, technologies, practical recommendations and challenges. Sports (Basel, Switzerland) 9(4), 47. DOI: 10.3390/sports9040047
- Orange S.T., Hritz A., Pearson L., Jeffries O., Jones T.W., Steele J. (2022). Comparison of the effects of velocity-based vs. traditional resistance training methods on adaptations in strength, power, and sprint speed: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and quality of evidence appraisal. Journal of Sports Sciences 40(11), 1220-1234. DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2059320
- Janicijevic D., Jukic I., Weakley J., García-Ramos A. (2021). Bench press 1-repetition maximum estimation through the individualized load-velocity relationship: Comparison of different regression models and minimal velocity thresholds. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 16(8), 1074-1081. DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0312
- Sandau I., Chaabene H., Granacher U. (2021). Predictive validity of the snatch pull force-velocity profile to determine the snatch one repetition-maximum in male and female elite weightlifters. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 6(2), 35. DOI: 10.3390/jfmk6020035
- Cunanan A.J., Hornsby W.G., South M.A., Ushakova K.P., Mizuguchi S. et al. (2020). Survey of barbell trajectory and kinematics of the snatch lift from the 2015 World and 2017 Pan-American Weightlifting Championships. Sports (Basel, Switzerland) 8(9), 118. DOI: 10.3390/sports8090118
- Suchomel T.J., Techmanski B.S., Kissick C.R., Comfort P. (2024). Can the velocity of a 1RM hang power clean be used to estimate a 1RM hang high pull? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(7), 1321-1325. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004845
- Marston K.J., Forrest M.R.L., Teo S.Y.M., Mansfield S.K., Peiffer J.J., Scott B.R. (2022). Load-velocity relationships and predicted maximal strength: A systematic review of the validity and reliability of current methods. PloS one 17(10), e0267937. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267937
- Hughes L.J., Banyard H.G., Dempsey A.R., Scott B.R. (2019). Using a load-velocity relationship to predict one repetition maximum in free-weight exercise: A comparison of the different methods. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 33(9), 2409-2419. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002550
- Weakley J., Ramirez-Lopez C., McLaren S., Dalton-Barron N., Weaving D. et al. (2020). The effects of 10%, 20%, and 30% velocity loss thresholds on kinetic, kinematic, and repetition characteristics during the barbell back squat. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 15(2), 180-188. DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-1008
- Held S., Speer K., Rappelt L., Wicker P., Donath L. (2022). The effectiveness of traditional vs. velocity-based strength training on explosive and maximal strength performance: A network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology 13, 926972. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.926972
- Morán-Navarro R., Martínez-Cava A., Escribano-Peñas P., Courel-Ibáñez J. (2021). Load-velocity relationship of the deadlift exercise. European Journal of Sport Science 21(5), 678-684. DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1785017
- Benavides-Ubric A., Díez-Fernández D.M., Rodríguez-Pérez M.A., Ortega-Becerra M., Pareja-Blanco F. (2020). Analysis of the load-velocity relationship in deadlift exercise. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine 19(3), 452-459, PMCID: PMC7429441.
- García-Ramos A., Pestaña-Melero F.L., Pérez-Castilla A., Rojas F.J., Gregory Haff G. (2018). Mean velocity vs. mean propulsive velocity vs. peak velocity: Which variable determines bench press relative load with higher reliability? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 32(5), 1273-1279. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001998
- Sweet D.K., Qiao J., Rosbrook P., Pryor J.L. (2024). Load-velocity profiles before and after heated resistance exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(6), 1019-1024. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004739
- Jukic I., García-Ramos A., Malecek J., Omcirk D., Tufano J.J. (2022). Validity of load-velocity relationship to predict 1 repetition maximum during deadlifts performed with and without lifting straps: The accuracy of six prediction models. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 36(4), 902-910. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003596
- Banyard H.G., Nosaka K., Vernon A.D., Haff G.G. (2018). The Reliability of individualized load-velocity profiles. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 13(6), 763-769. DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0610
- Fitas A., Santos P., Gomes M., Pezarat-Correia P., Schoenfeld B.J., Mendonca G.V. (2024). Prediction of one repetition maximum in free-weight back squat using a mixed approach: The combination of the individual load-velocity profile and generalized equations. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(2), 228-235. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004632
- García-Ramos A., Barboza-González P., Ulloa-Díaz D., Rodriguez-Perea A., Martinez-Garcia D. et al. (2019). Reliability and validity of different methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences 37(19), 2205-2212. DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1626071
- Picerno P., Iannetta D., Comotto S., Donati M., Pecoraro F. et al. (2016). 1RM prediction: a novel methodology based on the force-velocity and load-velocity relationships. European Journal of Applied Physiology 116(10), 2035-2043. DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3457-0
- Balsalobre-Fernández C., Marchante D., Muñoz-López M., Jiménez S.L. (2018). Validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app for the measurement of barbell velocity and 1RM on the bench-press exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences 36(1), 64-70. DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1280610
- Cabarkapa D.V., Fry A.C., Kavadas N.G., Cabarkapa D. (2024). Are load-velocity estimates of bench press maximal strength as accurate as actual 1-repetition maximum testing? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(10), e563-e573. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004877
- Macarilla C.T., Sautter N.M., Robinson Z.P., Juber M.C., Hickmott L.M. et al. (2022). Accuracy of predicting one-repetition maximum from submaximal velocity in the barbell back squat and bench press. Journal of Human Kinetics 82, 201-212. DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2022-0046
- Jukic I., Prnjak K., Helms E.R., McGuigan M.R. (2024). Modeling the repetitions-in-reserve-velocity relationship: a valid method for resistance training monitoring and prescription, and fatigue management. Physiological Reports 12(5), e15955. DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15955
- Williams T.D., Esco M.R., Fedewa M.V., Bishop P.A. (2020). Bench press load-velocity profiles and strength after overload and taper microcyles in male powerlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 34(12), 3338-3345. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003835
- García-Ramos A., Haff G.G., Pestaña-Melero F.L., Pérez-Castilla A., Rojas F.J. et al. (2018). Feasibility of the 2-point method for determining the 1-repetition maximum in the bench press exercise. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 13(4), 474-481. DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0374
- van den Tillaar R., Nygaard Falch H., Larsen S. (2024). Comparison of velocity and estimated one repetition maximum measured with different measuring tools in bench presses and squats. Sensors 24(23), 7422. DOI: 10.3390/s24237422
- Sandau I., Granacher U. (2023). Optimal barbell force-velocity profiles can contribute to maximize weightlifting performance. PloS one 18(8), e0290275. DOI: 10.1371/journal. pone.0290275
- Jukic I., Castilla A.P., Ramos A.G., Van Hooren B., McGuigan M.R., Helms E.R. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of implementing velocity loss thresholds during resistance training: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and critical evaluation of the literature. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 53(1), 177-214. DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01754-4
- Chen B.Y., Chen W.H., Liu Y., Fiolo N.J., Fuchs P.X. et al. (2024). The effects of velocity loss thresholds during resistance training on lower-limb performance enhancement: A systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 19(4), 1863-1877. DOI: 10.1177/17479541241244581
- Suchomel T.J., Techmanski B.S., Kissick C.R., Comfort P. (2023). Reliability, validity, and comparison of barbell velocity measurement devices during the jump shrug and hang high pull. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 8(1), 35. DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8010035
- Fernandez Ortega J.A., Mendoza Romero D., Sarmento H., Prieto Mondragón L. (2022). Bar load-velocity profile of full squat and bench press exercises in young recreational athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(11), 6756. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116756
- LeMense A.T., Malone G.T., Kinderman M.A., Fedewa M.V., Winchester L.J. (2024). Validity of using the load-velocity relationship to estimate 1 repetition maximum in the back squat exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(3), 612-619. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004709
- Suchomel T.J., Beckham G.K., Wright G.A. (2015). Effect of various loads on the force-time characteristics of the hang high pull. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 29, 1295-1301. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000748
- Suchomel T.J., Kissick C.R., Techmanski B.S., Mann J.B., Comfort P. (2025). Velocity-based training with weightlifting derivatives: Barbell and system velocity comparisons. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 39(2), 135-146. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004962
- Sandau I., Granacher U. (2020). Effects of the barbell load on the acceleration phase during the snatch in elite Olympic weightlifting. Sports (Basel, Switzerland) 8(5), 59. DOI: 10.3390/sports8050059
- Sandau I., Langen G., Nitzsche N. (2023). Variability of time series barbell kinematics in elite male weightlifters. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 5, 1264280. DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1264280
- Takei S., Kambayashi S., Katsuge M., Okada J., Hirayama K. (2024). Portions of the force-velocity relationship targeted by weightlifting exercises. Scientific Reports 14(1), 31021. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82251-8
- Thompson S.W., Rogerson D., Ruddock A., Greig L., Dorrell H.F., Barnes A. (2021). A novel approach to 1rm prediction using the load-velocity profile: A comparison of models. Sports 9(7), 88. DOI: 10.3390/sports9070088
- Kilgallon J., Cushion E., Joffe S., Tallent J. (2022). Reliability and validity of velocity measures and regression methods to predict maximal strength ability in the back-squat using a novel linear position transducer. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology 239(3), 335-348. DOI: 10.1177/17543371221093189
- Grgic J., Scapec B., Pedisic Z., Mikulic P. (2020). Test-retest reliability of velocity and power in the deadlift and squat exercises assessed by the GymAware PowerTool System. Frontiers in Physiology 11, 561682. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.561682
- Lopes Dos Santos M., Mann J.B., Berton R., Alvar B.A., Lockie R.G., Dawes J.J. (2023). Using the load-velocity profile for predicting the 1rm of the hexagonal barbell deadlift exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 37(1), 220-223. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004216
- García-Ramos A., Pestaña-Melero F.L., Pérez-Castilla A., Rojas F.J., Haff G.G. (2018). Differences in the load-velocity profile between 4 bench-press variants. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 13(3), 326-331. DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0158
- García-Ramos A., Pérez-Castilla A., Villar Macias F.J., Latorre-Román P.Á., Párraga J. A., García-Pinillos F. (2021). Differences in the one-repetition maximum and load-velocity profile between the flat and arched bench press in competitive powerlifters. Sports Biomechanics 20(3), 261-273. DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2018.1544662
- Ferri Marini C., Shoaei V., Micheli L., Francia P., Grossi T. et al. (2022). Barbell load distribution and lifting velocity affect bench press exercise volume and perceived exertion. PloS one 17(12), e0278909. DOI: 10.1371/journal. pone.0278909
- Herrera-Bermudo J.C., Puente-Alcaraz C., Díaz-Sánchez P., González-Badillo J.J. Rodríguez-Rosell D. (2024). Influence of grip width on the load-velocity relationship and 1 repetition maximum value in the bench press exercise: A comparative and reliability analysis of mean velocity vs. mean propulsive velocity vs. peak velocity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(12), 2013-2021. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004920
- Miras-Moreno S., Pérez-Castilla A., Weakley J., Rojas-Ruiz F.J., García-Ramos A. (2025). Improving the use of lifting velocity to predict repetitions to failure: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 20(3), 335-344. DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2024-0337
- Martínez-Cava A., Hernández-Belmonte A., Courel-Ibáñez J., Morán-Navarro R., González-Badillo J.J., Pallarés J.G. (2020). Reliability of technologies to measure the barbell velocity: Implications for monitoring resistance training. PloS one 15(6), e0232465. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232465
- Baena-Marín M., Rojas-Jaramillo A., González-Santamaría J., Rodríguez-Rosell D., Petro J.L. et al. (2022). Velocity-based resistance training on 1-rm, jump and sprint performance: A systematic review of clinical trials. Sports 10(1), 8. DOI: 10.3390/sports10010008
Language: English
Page range: 3 - 9
Submitted on: Nov 26, 2025
Accepted on: Dec 30, 2025
Published on: Jul 14, 2026
Published by: University of Physical Education in Warsaw
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Keywords:
Related subjects:
© 2026 Weronika Zielińska, Paulina Szyszka, published by University of Physical Education in Warsaw
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.