Reliability of the Repetition-to-Fatigue Method for Estimating 1-Repetition Maximum in Unilateral Strength Exercises and Its Relationship With Gait Tests in People With Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: To analyze the reliability of the estimated 1-repetition maximum (e1RM) through the repetition to fatigue method in 4 unilateral resistance training exercises performed using weight machines (ie, leg press, calf raises, leg extension, seated leg curl), and their relationship to gait-related tests.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: University sports complex.

Participants: Twenty-four participants with multiple sclerosis (N=24) completed 3 testing sessions. They performed 3 testing sessions that were integrated into a long-term multimodal exercise regime comprising strength, balance, and functional mobility exercises, conducted twice a week in 90-minute sessions.

Main outcome measures: The first session consisted in the assessment of the gait-related tests (ie, timed up and go test [TUG], timed 25-foot walk test [T25FW], 6-minute walk test [6MW]). Two testing sessions were dedicated to the assessment of the e1RM in the aforementioned exercises.

Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2.1) of absolute e1RM ranged from 0.92 to 0.97 and they were slightly higher than those relative to the body mass (0.85

Conclusions: The results suggest that e1RM can be safely and reliably performed to quantify single-leg strength and to control the training load in these exercises. Knee flexors and ankle extensors strength, especially of the weaker leg, along with their asymmetry, seem to be the most relevant factors to consider in the strength assessment and training of this population.