Leg press test

The objective of this test is to evaluate an athlete’s lower body strength.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Leg press machine
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

• Select a weight close to your one repetition maximum load.
• Conduct as many leg presses you can before failure.
• Assistant to count the number of successful leg presses.
• If the number of leg presses exceeds 12, then rest for 15 minutes, increase the weight and repeat the test.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

The following equation provides a good estimate of the maximum load providing the number of repetitions does not exceed 12.

 = Weight / (1.0278 – (0.0278 x number of repetitions))

For an assessment of your one repetition maximum divide your one repetition maximum(kgs) by your body weight(kgs) and then determine an assessment of your score from the normative table.

Example:

• Female athlete
• Body weight – 65kgs
• Age – 32
• Weight pressed – 80kgs
• Number of repetitions – 5.

One repetition maximum is: = 80 / (1.0278 – (0.0278 x 5)) = 90kgs

Score = 90 / 65 = 1.38       Assessment = Good

Normative data for the leg press test

Age
Rating	20-29	30-39	40-49	50-59
Male
Excellent	> 2.08	> 1.88	> 1.76	> 1.66
Good	2.00 – 2.07	1.80 – 1.87	1.70 – 1.75	1.60 – 1.65
Average	1.83 – 1.99	1.63 – 1.79	1.56 – 1.69	1.46 – 1.59
Fair	1.65 – 1.82	1.55 – 1.62	1.50 – 1.55	1.40 – 1.45
Good	< 1.64	< 1.54	< 1.49	< 1.39
Female
Excellent	> 1.63	> 1.42	> 1.32	> 1.26
Good	1.54 – 1.62	1.35 – 1.41	1.26 – 1.31	1.13 – 1.25
Average	1.35 – 1.53	1.20 – 1.34	1.12 – 1.25	0.99 – 1.12
Fair	1.26 – 1.34	1.13 – 1.19	1.06 – 1.11	0.86 – 0.98
Good	< 1.25	< 1.12	< 1.05	< 0.85

Target group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables to relate results to potential level of fitness and the correlation is high.