The methods of quantifying and prescribing resistance training intensity are widely debated, with the limitations of traditional percentage-based training now being realized. Velocity-based training (VBT) has been shown to augment adaptations realized across a resistance training mesocycle, whilst better controlling fatigue and performing less total volume. Barbell velocity measurement technology currently validated and available are all limited by their cost, leaving athletes or teams from lesser funded organisations disadvantaged. The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity and inter-session reliability of the new MetricVBT (MET) free smartphone application for measurement barbell velocity, against the previously validated GymAware PowerTool (GPT) and three-dimensional motion capture (MOCAP). Eight healthy participants performed three repetitions of a static squat jump (SSJ), continuous squat jump (CSJ), and 30, 60, and 90% of their 1 repetition-maximum (1RM). Mean concentric velocity (MCV) was recorded by all three devices for all repetitions. Very strong correlations were observed for MCV between MET-GPT and MET-MOCAP, with slightly lesser, but still very strong correlations at 90% 1RM. All variables displayed typical error (TE) values of less than 0.032 m·s-1, with 90% 1RM displaying TE values of less than 0.022 m·s-1. This study recommends the implementation of MET to realise the augmented adaptations seen from VBT interventions. The implementation of this device may aid to attenuate the barrier between financial and technological capability, and athletic performance and athlete success.
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