The Use of Mobile Apps to Measure Barbell Velocity
This article explores the use of velocity-based training (VBT) apps and how measuring movement velocity during strength training can enhance program design, performance monitoring, and training outcomes.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
REFERENCES
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2. Balsalobre-Fernández, C, Xu, J, Jarvis, P, Thompson, S, Tannion, K, and Bishop, C. Validity of a smartphone app using artificial intelligence for the real-time measurement of barbell velocity in the bench press exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research37(12): 640-645, 2023.
3. Balsalobre-Fernández, C, and Torres-Ronda, L. The implementation of velocity-based training paradigm for team sports: Framework, technologies, practical recommendations and challenges. Sports (Basel) 9(4): 2021.
4. Balsalobre-Fernández, C, Marchante, D, Muñoz-López, M, and Jiménez, SI. Validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app for the measurement of barbell velocity and 1RM on the bench-press exercise. Journal of Sports Science 36(1): 64-70, 2018.
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6. Forelli, F, Marine, P, Moiroux-Sahraoui, A, Mazeas, J, Thoelen, M, Swinnen, B, et al. Velocity-based training in mid- and late-stage rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A narrative review and practical guidelines. BMJ Open Sport Exercise Medicine 11(2): e002503, 2025.
7. Glaeser, C. Buyer’s guide to velocity-based training and weight room monitoring systems. Retrieved September 2025 from https://simplifaster.com/articles/buyers-guide-velocity-based-training-systems/.
8. Guppy, S, Kendall, K, and Haff, G. Velocity-based training—A critical review. Strength and Conditioning Journal 46(3): 295-307, 2024.
9. Mann, J, Ivey, PA, and Sayers, SP. Velocity-based training in football. Strength and Conditioning Journal 37(6): 52-57, 2015.
10. Martínez-Cava, A, Hernández-Belmonte, A, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Morán-Navarro, J, José González-Badillo, J, and Pallarés, JG. Reliability of technologies to measure the barbell velocity: Implications for monitoring resistance training. PLOS One 15(6): e0232465, 2020.
11. Pareja-Blanco, F, Walker, S, and Häkkinen, K. Validity of using velocity to estimate intensity in resistance exercises in men and women. International Journal of Sports Medicine 41(14): 1-9, 2020.
12. Perez-Castilla, A, Piepoli, A, Delgado, G, Garrido-Blanca, G, and Garcia-Ramos, A. Reliability and concurrent validity of seven commercially available devices for the assessment of movement velocity at different intensities during the bench press. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 33(5): 1258-1265, 2019.
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14. Renner, A, Mitter, B, and Baca, A. Concurrent validity of novel smartphone-based apps monitoring barbell velocity in powerlifting exercises. Retrieved September 2025 from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313919.
15. Taber, C, Patterson, E, Shah, J, Francis, P, and Wager, J. Validity and reliability of a computer vision system to determine bar displacement and velocity. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning 33(1): 2023.
16. Thompson, S, Fernandes, J, Dorrell, H, Greig, L, and Bishop, C. A coach’s guide to velocity-based training: Definitions and diagnostics. Strength and Conditioning Journal 47(2): 230-244, 2025.
17. Thompson, SW. Is it a slow day or a go day? The perceptions and applications of velocity-based training within elite strength and conditioning. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching 18(4): 1217-1228, 2023.
18. Tober, J. A complete guide to VBT training devices and barbell velocity tracker apps [2025 update]. Retrieved September 2025 from https://www.vbtcoach.com/blog/velocity-based-training-devices-buyers-guide.
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Keywords:
Training Optimization Barbell Exercises Training Prescription Strength and Conditioning velocity-based training (VBT) Sports Technology Resistance Training Performance Monitoring
Training Optimization Barbell Exercises Training Prescription Strength and Conditioning velocity-based training (VBT) Sports Technology Resistance Training Performance Monitoring
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