Study design:

Cross-sectional study.

Objectives:

The study aimed (a) to test the cross-validation of current one-repetition maximum (1RM) predictive equations in men with spinal cord injury (SCI);(b) to compare the current 1RM predictive equations to a newly developed equation based on the 4-to 12-repetition maximum test (4–12RM).

Setting:

SARAH Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Brasilia, Brazil.

Methods:

Forty-five men aged 28.0 years with SCI between C6 and L2 causing complete motor impairment were enrolled in the study. Volunteers were tested, in a random order, in 1RM test or 4–12RM with 2–3 interval days. Multiple regression analysis was used to generate an equation for predicting 1RM.

Results:

There were no significant differences between 1RM test and the current predictive equations. ICC values were significant and were classified as excellent for all current predictive equations. The predictive equation of Lombardi presented the best Bland–Altman results (0.5 kg and 12.8 kg for mean difference and interval range around the differences, respectively). The two created equation models for 1RM demonstrated the same and a high adjusted R 2 (0.971, P< 0.01), but different SEE of measured 1RM (2.88 kg or 5.4% and 2.90 kg or 5.5%).

Conclusion:

All 1RM predictive equations are accurate to assess individuals with SCI at the bench press exercise. However, the predictive equation of Lombardi presented the best associated cross-validity results. A specific 1RM prediction equation was also elaborated for individuals with SCI. The created equation should be tested in order to verify whether it presents better accuracy than the current ones.