Influence of Relative Strength on the Maximum Number of Repetitions in the Pull-Up Bar in University Students
Abstract
Several studies have reported that performance in pull-ups depends on an individual's maximal strength. Although stronger individuals tend to perform a higher number of repetitions in this exercise, it is believed that relative strength (RS) exerts an even more significant influence on performance. This study aimed to examine the predictive capacity of relative strength, measured in the lat pulldown exercise (RS-LPD) and in the pull-up exercise (RS-PU), in relation to the maximum number of pull-up repetitions (PU-RM). This is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study conducted with 23 students regularly enrolled in a Physical Education program, with a mean age of 20.9 ± 2.4 years, average height of 173 ± 4.42 cm, average body mass of 71.3 ± 8.45 kg, and an average of 14.8 ± 2.62 repetitions in the pull-up test. One-repetition maximum (1RM) tests were performed, and RS was calculated in both the lat pulldown and pull-up exercises. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, and paired sample t-tests. RS-LPD and RS-PU showed moderate to strong correlations with PU-RM (r = 0.56-0.62) and were considered statistically significant predictors of performance (R² = 0.31-0.38; p = 0.006 and 0.002, respectively). It is concluded that higher levels of relative strength are associated with a greater number of pull-up repetitions.
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Author Biographies
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