Velocity loss is a flawed method for monitoring and prescribing resistance training volume with a free-weight back squat exercise

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the goodness of fit, prediction accuracy, and stability of general and individual relationships between velocity loss and the percentage of completed repetitions out of maximum possible (VL-%repetitions) in the free-weight back squat exercise. The effects of sex, training status and history, as well as personality traits, on the goodness of fit and the accuracy of these relationships were also investigated. Methods: Forty-six resistance-trained people (15 females and 31 males) performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, and two repetitions to failure (RTF) tests, 72 h apart. RTF tests were performed with 70, 80, and 90% of 1RM with 10 min inter-set rest. Results: The findings question the utility of using general and individual VL-%repetitions relationships to prescribe training volume with free-weight back squats as (1) the agreement in the %repetitions completed until reaching a given velocity loss threshold across two consecutive testing sessions was unacceptable, regardless of the load used; and (2) the ability of general and individual VL-%repetitions relationships to predict %repetitions in a subsequent testing session were poor (absolute errors > 10%). Sex, training status and history, and personality traits did not affect the goodness of fit of general and individual VL-%repetitions relationships or their prediction accuracy, suggesting potential generalisability of those findings among resistance-trained populations. Conclusions: VL-%repetitions relationships do not seem to provide any additional benefits compared to costless, traditional methods and hence should not be used for monitoring and prescribing resistance training with a free-weight back squat exercise

"I don't want them to judge me" : separating out the role of fear of negative evaluation, neuroticism, and low self-esteem in eating disorders

Fear of negative evaluation (FNE) is a transdiagnostic risk factor that has an important role in eating disorder (ED) onset and maintenance, as well as other psychopathologies. However, no research has explored whether FNE has associations with probable ED status when accounting for related vulnerabilities, and whether this relationship changes across gender and weight status. The current study sought out to explore how FNE explains probable ED status above and beyond heightened neuroticism and low self-esteem, with gender and BMI serving as potential moderators of this relationship. Participants were 910 university students (85 % females) aged 18–26 years (Mage = 19.90; SDage = 2.06) living in Australia, who completed measures of psychological distress, personality, self-esteem, FNE, and ED status. Logistic regression analysis showed that FNE was associated with probable ED status. This relationship was stronger among individuals with underweight and healthy-weight, whilst an interaction with gender was not significant. These findings shed light on the unique role FNE has in probable ED status across gender, which appears to be more pronounced in those with a lower BMI. Therefore, FNE should be considered as a potential target in ED screening and early intervention alongside other important transdiagnostic risk factors