Author(s): ANJOS, L., ESTEVES, D., MADEIRA, R., MAIA, A., ANTUNES, A., FERREIRA, T., SOMA, A., NEIVA, H., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BEIRA INTERIOR, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 1085

INTRODUCTION:
Load-velocity (L-V) profiling may help individualize resistance training intensity without direct 1RM testing, which can be relevant in clinical exercise programs addressed to breast cancer survivors. The aims of this study were to characterize the chest press L-V relationship, estimate a theoretical 1RM, and provide preliminary reference mean propulsive velocity (MPV) values across relative loads (%1RM) in breast cancer survivors.
METHODS:
Fifteen breast cancer survivors (100% women) enrolled in the MAMA_MOVE program were included, with a mean age of 56.73 ± 6.84 years. Participants completed a progressive submaximal chest press test after a standardized warm-up, starting with a light load and increasing by 1.0-4.5 kg. At each load, 2-3 repetitions were executed with maximal intended concentric velocity and a controlled eccentric phase. MPV was measured using a linear velocity transducer (Vitruve VBT Encoder, Speed4lifts S.L., Mostoles, Madrid, Spain) and the fastest valid repetition per load was retained. Seat height, hand placement, and range of motion were standardized. Rest intervals were 3-5 min. Repetitions with technical error or bounce were excluded. For analysis, 8-14 valid load-MPV points per participant were fitted by least-squares linear regression to estimate the slope and theoretical 1RM, and MPV was predicted across 20-100%1RM.
RESULTS:
Predicted MPV decreased as relative load increased, with a strong linear fit (mean R2 = 0.936). Group mean (SD) MPV was 0.870 (0.090) m/s at 20%1RM, 0.690 (0.057) m/s at 50%1RM, 0.536 (0.051) m/s at 70%1RM, 0.355 (0.043) m/s at 90%1RM, and 0.254 (0.044) m/s at 100%1RM.
CONCLUSION:
Chest press L-V profiling is feasible within a clinical exercise program and provides clinically relevant MPV reference values to inform individualized velocity-based prescription and neuromuscular monitoring in breast cancer survivors.