Holten Diagram | 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) Calculation

1RM is the maximal weight an individual can move during a specific exercise. As we are talking about the absolute maximum, testing for it can be dangerous and therefore is rarely done in practice. This is where a submaximal 1RM test using the Holten diagram comes into play.
The individual is going to perform the exercise with moderate weight for the maximum number of repetitions possible.
Using the Holten diagram, we can calculate the 1RM based on the number of repetitions performed with moderate weight.

Let’s say I was able to benchpress 80KG for 10 repetitions.
Using the Holten diagram 10 repetitions at 80KG are around 80% of my 1RM.

Then the 1RM is calculated as follows:

Lifted weight * (100% / percentage of repetitions in the Holten diagram) =

80kg * (100%/80%) = 80 x 1,25 = 100kg

This means I should be able to lift 100kg ones. 100kg is my estimated 1 repitition maximum so to speak.

Okay, if you are interested in more clinimetrics topics, make sure to check out how to calculate target heartrate using the karvonen formula.

21 OF THE MOST USEFUL ORTHOPAEDIC TESTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

• • Name*
• • Email*

Δ

Karvonen J, Vuorimaa T. Heart rate and exercise intensity during sports activities. Sports medicine. 1988 May;5(5):303-11.