The Relationship Between Barbell Velocity and the Final Five Repetitions in Reserve Across Multiple Sets of the Hang Clean

Barbell velocity decreases as proximity to exercise endpoint approaches. This study aimed to determine if mean velocity at a given number of repetitions in reserve (RIR) was stable across differing intensity levels and multiple sets during hang clean exercise. Nineteen Division II male athletes (20.1 ± 1.1 years) completed two trials (3 sets to failure at 70% and 80% 1RM). The final five RIR of each set were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVAs (p ≤ .05). No differences in mean velocity between any set or intensity were observed for 5 RIR, 3 RIR, or 1 RIR. Pairwise differences were observed during 4 RIR (80% 1RM set 3 (1.13 ± 0.09 m/s) vs. 70% 1RM set 2 (1.20 ± 0.12 m/s)) and 2 RIR (80% 1RM set 2 (1.06 ± 0.15 m/s) vs. 70% RM set 2 (1.15 ± 0.13 m/s), 80% 1RM set 3 (1.04 ± 0.12 m/s) vs. 70% 1RM set 1 (1.12 ± 0.15 m/s) and set 2 (1.15 ± 0.13 m/s), and 70% 1RM set 2 (1.15 ± 0.13 m/s) vs. 70% 1RM set 3 (1.09 ± 0.14 m/s)). Effect sizes for significant pairwise differences ranged from 0.44–0.79. While several pairwise differences existed, lack of systematic trends indicated mean velocity at a given RIR was not generally influenced by set number or intensity. Thus, velocity for a given RIR appears stable across multiple sets and intensities in the hang clean. These velocities can be utilized to identify remaining RIR and adjust training.