Effects of four consecutive one-repetition maximum testing days on neuromuscular performance, muscle soreness and perceived recovery

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) test and to assess the potential negative effects of this test on subsequent neuromuscular performance and perceived recovery. Method: A cross-sectional study in which subjects attended four consecutive days to perform an incremental 1RM test in the bench press. During each testing session, 1RM value, movement velocity against a submaximal (50% 1RM) load, perceived recovery, muscle soreness (DOMS), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. The analysis was performed by sorting the subjects into two groups (stronger: >= 1.2 1RM/bodyweight; and weaker: < 1.2 1RM/ bodyweight). Results: The reliability of 1RM values was good to excellent (ICC3,1 = 0.83-0.99), while SEm values were low (< 6%). The results showed no significant changes either in 1RM values or in movement velocity against 50% 1RM load over the days. The reported RPE values were high (6.5 to 8) but remained unchanged across sessions. Perceived recovery was only affected in the stronger group from the third day, despite the reported values being between "moderately" and "well recovered." DOMS were significantly higher during the third and fourth testing days in both groups but remained low in values (< 3.3 in a 0 to 10 scale). Conclusions: Consecutive days of 1RM testing did not significantly affect neuromuscular performance, and only slight effects were found on perceived muscle soreness and perceived recovery.