Objectives This study aims to systematically review the effects of Autoregulating Progressive Resistance Exercise (APRE), Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and Velocity-based Resistance Training (VBRT) on maximal strength through a network meta-analysis. Methods Forest plots and network diagrams visualized training modality differences and intervention relationships. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) of different studies and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) quantified effect sizes, with inconsistency models assessing heterogeneity and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values ranking protocols by optimal probability. Results For back squat 1RM, no moderate/large effect sizes were observed between interventions. SUCRA rankings showed APRE (93.0 %) as the most optimal intervention, followed by RPE (66.8 %), VBRT (27.0 %), and PBRT (13.2 %). In bench press 1RM, PBRT demonstrated a large effect vs APRE (SMD = -0.83, -1.22 to -0.44), while RPE showed a moderate effect vs APRE (SMD = -0.76, -1.70 to 0.19). SUCRA rankings prioritized APRE (97.1 %), followed by VBRT (57.1 %), RPE (29.9 %), and PBRT (15.9 %). Conclusion In this study, the network meta-analysis confirmed that APRE, VBRT, and RPE were significantly more effective than PBRT in enhancing maximum strength. Among these, APRE demonstrated the greatest effect, ranking first in the improvement of both the back squat and bench press 1RM, followed by VBRT, RPE, and PBRT.
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