scholarly journals Comparison of muscle activation and barbell kinematics during bench press with different loads

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 37-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Van den Tillaar ◽  
Colby Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Maximal Activation ◽  
Maximum Effort ◽  
Heavy Loads ◽  
Maximal Effort

The aim of this study was to compare barbell kinematics and muscle patterning in bench press with different loads, but with maximum effort, in young males with resistance training experience. Ten healthy experiences strength-training males (aged 27.3±5.9 years, body mass 82.8±16.6 kg, height 1.78±0.05 m, experience 7.3±4.2 years) performed maximal effort bench presses (1–2 repetitions) with loads varying from 30%, with 10% increments until 100% of 1-RM. Muscle activity of seven muscles and barbell kinematics were measured during descending and ascending phases. Average and peak upwards lifting velocity increased, while lifting time decreases with each decreasing load. In general, the maximal activation of most muscles decreases with decreasing loads, but it was not linear. No effect of loads was shown for the biceps brachii and posterior deltoid muscles. Based upon these findings, it was concluded that maximal lifting velocity may compensate for increased loads, which may allow resistancetrained males who are both healthy or in rehabilitation to avoid heavy loads but experience similar muscle activation. By decreasing the loads, the mechanical stress decreases and time to recover is reduced. Using lower loads with maximal lifting velocity may allow athletes to increase the total volume without increasing the risk of injuries.

scholarly journals Muscle Activation in Traditional and Experimental Barbell Bench Press Exercise: A Potential New Tool for Fitness Maintenance

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
Andrea Melani ◽  
Giuliana Gobbi ◽  
Daniela Galli ◽  
Cecilia Carubbi ◽  
Elena Masselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Extended Position ◽  
Lower Load

Background: The bench press exercise (BP) is commonly practiced in both recreational and professional training. The weight is lowered from a position where the elbows are at a 90° angle at the start and <90° at the end of eccentric phase, and then returned to the elbows extended position. In order to focus the exercise more on the triceps brachii (TB) rather than the pectoralis major (PM), the inter-handle distance (IHD) is decreased diminishing the involvement of the PM in favor of the TB. Purpose: To improve performance of the exercise by reducing force dissociation and transmitting 100% of the external load to the muscle tissue we propose a prototype of the barbell with a bar on which two sleeves are capable of sliding. The dynamic modifications of the IHD keep the elbow flexion angle constant at 90°. Results: Analysis of the inter-handle distance (IHD) signals of the upper body muscles showed a marked increase in muscle activity using the experimental barbell for the PM (19.5%) and for the biceps brachii (173%). Conclusions: The experimental barbell increased the muscle activity typical of the bench press exercise, obtaining the same training induction with a lower load and consequently preventing articular stress.

scholarly journals The Effects of Bench Press Variations in Competitive Athletes on Muscle Activity and Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atle Hole Saeterbakken ◽  
Dag-André Mo ◽  
Suzanne Scott ◽  
Vidar Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
High Load ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
International Level ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Competitive Athletes ◽  
And Performance

AbstractThe aim of the study was to compare the EMG activity performing 6RM competition style bench press (flat bench-wide grip) with 1) medium and narrow grip widths on a flat bench and 1) inclined and declined bench positions with a wide grip. Twelve bench press athletes competing at national and international level participated in the study. EMG activity was measured in the pectoralis major, anterior and posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi. Non-significant differences in activation were observed between the three bench positions with the exception of 58.5-62.6% lower triceps brachii activation, but 48.3-68.7% greater biceps brachii activation in the inclined bench compared with the flat and declined bench position. Comparing the three grip widths, non-significant differences in activations were observed, with the exception of 25.9-30.5% lower EMG activity in the biceps brachii using a narrow grip, compared to the medium and wide grip conditions. The 6-RM loads were 5.8-11.1% greater using a medium and wide grip compared to narrow grip width and 18.5-21.5% lower in the inclined bench position compared with flat and declined. Comparing the EMG activity during the competition bench press style with either the inclined and declined bench position (wide grip) or using a narrow and medium grip (flat bench), only resulted in different EMG activity in the biceps- and triceps brachii. The 6RM loads varied with each bench press variation and we recommend the use of a wide grip on a flat bench during high load hypertrophy training to bench press athletes.

scholarly journals Glenohumeral Muscle Activation During Provocative Tests Designed to Diagnose Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Lesions

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 2670-2678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa J.C. Wood ◽  
Michelle B. Sabick ◽  
Ron P. Pfeiffer ◽  
Seth M. Kuhlman ◽  
Jason H. Christensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Slap Lesion ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Superior Labrum ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Supination External Rotation ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Background: Despite considerable medical advances, arthroscopy remains the only definitive means of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion diagnosis. Natural shoulder anatomic variants limit the reliability of radiographic findings and clinical evaluations are not consistent. Accurate clinical diagnostic techniques would be advantageous because of the invasiveness, patient risk, and financial cost associated with arthroscopy. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the behavior of the joint-stabilizing muscles in provocative tests for SLAP lesions. Electromyography was used to characterize the muscle behavior, with particular interest in the long head of the biceps brachii (LHBB), as activation of the long head and subsequent tension in the biceps tendon should, based on related research, elicit labral symptoms in SLAP lesion patients. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Volunteers (N = 21) without a history of shoulder injury were recruited. The tests analyzed were active compression, Speed’s, pronated load, biceps load I, biceps load II, resisted supination external rotation, and Yergason’s. Tests were performed with a dynamometer to improve reproducibility. Muscle activity was recorded for the long and short heads of the biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus. Muscle behavior for each test was characterized by peak activation and proportion of muscle activity. Results: Speed’s, active compression palm-up, bicep I, and bicep II produced higher long head activations. Resisted supination external rotation, bicep I, bicep II, and Yergason’s produced a higher LHBB proportion. Conclusion: Biceps load I and biceps load II elicited promising long head behavior (high activation and selectivity). Speed’s and active compression palm up elicited higher activation of the LHBB, and resisted supination and Yergason’s elicited selective LHBB activity. These top performing tests utilize a unique range of test variables that may prove valuable for optimal SLAP test design and performance. Clinical Relevance: This study examines several provocative tests that are frequently used in the clinical setting as a means of evaluating a potential SLAP lesion.

scholarly journals The Effects of Augmented Eccentric Loading upon Kinematics and Muscle Activation in Bench Press Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
van den Tillaar ◽  
Kwan
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Neural Stimulation ◽  
Eccentric Load ◽  
Press Performance ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Control ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Stored Elastic Energy

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an augmented eccentric load upon the kinematics and muscle activation of bench press, and to investigate possible mechanisms behind augmented eccentric loading during the lift. Sixteen resistance-trained males (age 28.5 ± 7.7 years, height 1.78 ± 0.08 m, body mass 80.7 ± 14.3 kg) performed three repetitions at 95/85% of 1RM (augmented eccentric loading), and 85/85% of 1RM (control) in bench press, while barbell kinematics and muscle activation of eight muscles were measured. The main findings were that no kinematic differences between the augmented and control condition were found, only an effect of repetition. Furthermore, augmented loading caused a higher activation of the biceps brachii during the pre-sticking and sticking region, while a lower activation in the sternal part of pectoralis major during the eccentric phase was observed. Based on the present findings, it can be concluded that augmented eccentric loading with 95% of 1RM in bench press did not have any acute positive effect upon the concentric phase of the lift (85% of 1RM) and that the proposed underlying mechanisms like potentiation, increased neural stimulation and preload, and recovery of stored elastic energy does not seem to occur with these loads.

Forelimb brachial muscle activation patterns using surface electromyography and their relationship to kinematics in normal dogs walking and trotting

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.C. Garcia ◽  
B.K. Sturges ◽  
S.M. Stover ◽  
K. Aoki ◽  
J.M. Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Elbow Flexor ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
The Right ◽  
Elbow Extensor

The objective of this study was to determine activity of the elbow flexor and elbow extensor groups of muscles relative to shoulder and elbow joint kinematics in normal walking and trotting dogs using surface electromyography (EMG), and to determine if muscle activity varies with gait or limb. Ten healthy mixed-breed dogs were walked and trotted across embedded force plates in a 6 m walkway while simultaneously recording muscle activation using surface EMG positioned over the biceps brachii (elbow flexor group) and triceps brachii (elbow extensor group); peak shoulder, elbow, and carpal joint angles from motion capture, and ground reaction forces. EMG magnitude, timing, and power spectral density (PSD) were used to analyse muscle activity. The effects of gait type and limb side on EMG measures and joint angles were assessed using an analysis of variance. Results showed that the elbow flexor group was maximally active at end of stance. The elbow extensor group was maximally active at the beginning of stance. Muscle activity occurred earlier in the gait phase (stance or swing) in the trot compared to the walk. The amplitude, frequency at maximum PSD (elbow flexor group only) and the median frequency were larger on the right side than on the left side. The maximum PSD and integrated PSD were larger on the left side than the right side. These data provide a reference for identifying abnormalities associated with orthopaedic, neurological, or rehabilitative changes. Limb asymmetry observed in muscle activation in clinically normal dogs should be further evaluated.

scholarly journals Balance Control and Muscles Activity of An Elderly Retired Man During Different Focus of Attention Instructions

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
Amin Amini ◽  
Hossein Shirvani ◽  
Behzad Bazgir
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Focus Of Attention ◽  
Body Sway ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
External Focus

Background: Good balance and muscle activity are essential to do daily activities. Recent studies have focused on the relations between balance and attention patterns. The study of the balance and muscle activity of people in different patterns of attention can clarify the nature of the effect of attention instructions. Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate the changes in different focus of attention instructions and quality of balance control and muscle activity in the elderly retired. Methods: Thirty elderly retired men [mean age: 51.6 ± 6.4 years] were recruited for this study. Subjects were selected through the berg balance test. Balance control ability [Biodex Balance System] and muscle activity [electromyography system] were assessed in two conditions, internal attention and external attention task. The data obtained were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA at a significant level of P<0.05. Results: Body sway and muscle activity parameters were correlated with different patterns of attention. During external focus condition, [1] Center of Pressure [CoP] total two-leg balance, CoP medio-lateral and CoP anterior-posterior for external-focus were lowered [P<0.05] and [2] Tibialis anterior and soleus for the leg, biceps brachii and triceps brachii for the arm, sternocleidomastoid and semispinalis capitis for external-focus were lowered [P<0.05]. Conclusion: Improved static balance responses and alterations in postural control were observed under external focus conditions. An external focus of attention may be the preferred method for facilitating balance control and muscle activation in an elderly retired man.

scholarly journals A Biomechanical Analysis of Wide, Medium, and Narrow Grip Width Effects on Kinematics, Horizontal Kinetics, and Muscle Activity on the Sticking Region in Recreationally Trained Males During 1-RM Bench Pressing

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stian Larsen ◽  
Olav Gomo ◽  
Roland van den Tillaar
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Moment Arm ◽  
Joint Moments ◽  
The One ◽  
Resultant Forces

Grip width has been found to affect lifting performance, especially around the sticking region; however, little is known about the kinetics and muscle activities that could explain these differences in performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of grip width on the joint, barbell kinematics, and horizontal kinetics, analyzed in tandem with the effects of muscle activation around the sticking region in the one repetition maximum (1-RM) barbell bench press. Fourteen healthy bench press-trained males (body mass: 87.8 ± 18.4, age: 25 ± 5.4) performed 1-RM with a small, medium, and wide grip width. The participants bench pressed 109.8 ± 24.5 kg, 108.9 ± 26.4 kg, and 103.7 ± 24 kg with the wide, medium, and narrow grip widths. Furthermore, the wide grip width produced 13.1–15.7% lateral forces, while the medium and narrow grip widths produced 0.4–1.8 and 8.5–10.1% medially directed forces of the vertical force produced during the sticking region, respectively. Horizontal forces did not increase during the sticking region, and the resultant forces decreased during the sticking region for all grip widths. The wide and medium grip widths produced greater horizontal shoulder moments than the narrow grip width during the sticking region. Hence, the wide and medium grip widths produced similar shoulder and elbow joint moments and moment arm at the first located lowest barbell velocity. Furthermore, triceps medialis muscle activity was greater for the medium and narrow grip widths than the wide grip width. This study suggests that the sticking region for the wide and medium grip widths may be specific to the horizontal elbow and shoulder joint moments created during this region. Therefore, when the goal is to lift as much as possible during 1-RM bench press attempts among recreationally trained males, our findings suggest that bench pressing with a wide or medium grip width may be beneficial.

scholarly journals Mind-muscle connection: effects of verbal instructions on muscle activity during bench press exercise

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Paoli ◽  
Laura Mancin ◽  
Matteo Saoncella ◽  
Davide Grigoletto ◽  
Francesco Q. Pacelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Verbal Instructions ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Electromyographic Signals

Different attentional foci may modify muscle activation during exercises. Our aim was to determine if it is possible to selectively activate the pectoralis major or triceps brachii muscles according to specific verbal instructions provided during the bench press exercise. 13 resistance-trained males (25.6±5.4 yrs, 182.7±9.1 cm, 86.4±9.7 kg) underwent an electromyographic signals acquisition of the sternocostal head, clavicular head of the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoid, and the long head of the triceps brachii (LT) during bench press exercise. Participants performed one non-instructed set (NIS) of 4 repetitions at 50% 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) and one NIS of 4 repetitions at 80% 1-RM. Four additional sets of 4 repetitions at 50% and 80% 1-RM were randomly performed with verbal instructions to isolate the chest muscles (chest instructed set, CIS) or to isolate the triceps muscles (triceps instructed set, TIS). Participants showed significantly higher LT activation during TIS compared to non-instructed set both at 50% (p=0.0199) and 80% 1-RM (p=0.0061) respectively. TIS elicited a significant (p=0.0250) higher activation of LT compared to CIS. Our results suggest that verbal instructions seem to be effective for increasing activity of the triceps brachii but not the pectoralis major during the bench press.

scholarly journals Muscle activity in asymmetric bench press among resistance-trained individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (11) ◽  
pp. 2517-2524
Author(s):  
Atle Hole Saeterbakken ◽  
Tom Erik J. Solstad ◽  
David G. Behm ◽  
Nicolay Stien ◽  
Matthew Peter Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
Loaded Side

Abstract Purpose To determine the effects of asymmetric loads on muscle activity with the bench press. Method Seventeen resistance-trained men performed one familiarization session including testing one repetition maximum (1RM) and three 5 repetition maximum (RM) lifts; using symmetric loads, 5% asymmetric loads, and 10% asymmetric loads. The asymmetric loading (i.e., reduced load on one side) was calculated as 5% and 10% of the subject`s 1RM load. In the experimental session, the three conditions of 5RM were conducted with electromyographic activity from the pectoralis major, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, and external oblique on both sides of the body. Results On the loaded side, asymmetric loads reduced triceps brachii activation compared to symmetric loads, whereas the other muscles demonstrated similar muscle activity between the three conditions. On the de-loaded side, 10% asymmetry in loading resulted in lower pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and biceps brachii activation compared to 5% asymmetric and symmetric loading. On the de-loaded side, only pectoralis major demonstrated lower muscle activation than symmetric loads. Furthermore, asymmetric loads increased external oblique activation on both sides compared to symmetric loads. Conclusions Asymmetric bench press loads reduced chest and shoulder muscle activity on the de-loaded side while maintaining the muscle activity for the loaded side. The authors recommend resistance-trained participants struggling with strength imbalances between sides, or activities require asymmetric force generation (i.e., alpine skiing or martial arts), to implement asymmetric training as a supplement to the traditional resistance training.

Neuromuscular Activation During Short-Track Speed Skating in Young Athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 848-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Felser ◽  
Martin Behrens ◽  
Susanne Fischer ◽  
Mario Baeumler ◽  
Ralf Salomon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Young Athletes ◽  
Neuromuscular Activation ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
Maximum Effort ◽  
The Right

Purpose:To investigate differences in muscle activation of both legs between the straight and the curve and changes in muscle activity during a 1000-m time trial (TT) and their relationship to the change in skating velocity in 9 young short-track speed skaters. The authors recorded skating times and EMG data from different leg muscles during maximum-effort skating trials on the straight and in the curve, as well as during a 1000-m TT.Results:Muscle activation differs between the straight and the curves and between legs; ie, average activities of selected muscles of the right leg were significantly higher during skating through the curves than in the straights. This could not be observed for the left leg. The reduction in speed during the 1000-m TT highly correlates with the decrease in the muscle activity of both the tibialis anterior and the rectus femoris of the right leg. Muscle recruitment is different in relation to lap section (straight vs curve) and leg (right vs left leg). The decreased muscle activity of the tibialis anterior and rectus femoris of the right leg showed the highest relationships with the reduction in skating speed during the 1000-m TT.

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