Purpose:

Determine a starting test weight, using percent body weight for use with a one repetition maximum (1 RM) protocol for participants with left ventricular dysfunction.

Methods:

Six male participants with a mean age 66.8 +/- 13.7 years with a documented history of left ventricular dysfunction (mean EF 43.5 +/- 8.8%). Participants performed a preliminary low repetition RM at 30%, 40%, and 50% of their body weight. A 1 RM was also performed for comparison purposes. Each low RM value was used to predict the participants 1 RM.

Results:

The three workloads were all highly correlated with measured 1 RM. The highest correlation was the 50% prediction weight (0.983 P <.001). Hemodynamic responses during the three workloads and 1 RM test followed normal physiological responses.

Discussion:

The true 1 RM measured was 53.8% of the participant's body weight. Stable heart failure patients can safely lift 50% of their body weight to determine their maximum repetition strength for upper body. Hemodynamic results measured during the test demonstrated normal physiological results.