Neuromuscular Control During the Bench Press Movement in an Elite Disabled and Able-Bodied Athlete

Abstract The disabled population varies significantly in regard to physical fitness, what is conditioned by the damage to the locomotor system. Recently there has been an increased emphasis on the role of competitive sport in enhancing health and the quality of life of individuals with disability. One of the sport disciplines of Paralympics is the flat bench press. The bench press is one of the most popular resistance exercises used for the upper body in healthy individuals. It is used not only by powerlifters, but also by athletes in most strength-speed oriented sport disciplines. The objective of the study was to compare neuromuscular control for various external loads (from 60 to 100% 1RM) during the flat bench press performed by an elite able-bodied athlete and an athlete with lower limb disability. The research project is a case study of two elite bench press athletes with similar sport results: an able-bodied athlete (M.W., age 34 years, body mass 103 kg, body height 1.72 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 200 kg) and a disabled athlete (M.T., age 31 years, body mass 92 kg, body height 1.70 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 190 kg). The activity was recorded for four muscles: pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), as well as for the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii (TBlat and TBlong). The T-test revealed statistically significant differences between peak activity of all the considered muscles (AD with p = 0.001; PM with p = 0.001; TBlat with p = 0.0021 and TBlong with p = 0.002) between the 2 athletes. The analysis of peak activity differences of M.W and M.T. in relation to the load revealed statistically significant differences for load changes between: 60 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.007), 70 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.016) and 80 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.032). The flat bench press performed without legs resting firmly on the ground leads to the increased engagement of upper body muscles and to their greater activation. Isolated initial positions can be used to generate greater engagement of muscle groups during the bench press exercise and evoke their higher activation.

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Influence of Exercise Order on Electromyographic Activity During Upper Body Resistance Training

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2014-0127 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 203-210 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Rafael Soncin ◽

Juliana Pennone ◽

Thiago M. Guimarães ◽

Bruno Mezêncio ◽

Alberto C. Amadio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bench Press ◽

Pectoralis Major ◽

Upper Body ◽

Shoulder Abduction ◽

Electromyographic Activity ◽

Triceps Brachii ◽

Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽

Anterior Deltoid ◽

Muscle Groups ◽

Long Head

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise order on electromyographic activity in different muscle groups among youth men with experience in strength training. Three sets of 8 RM were performed of each exercise in two sequences order: (a) sequence A: bench press, chest fly, shoulder press, shoulder abduction, close grip bench press and lying triceps extension; (b) sequence B: the opposite order. The electromyographic activity was analyzed in the sternocostal head of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and long head triceps brachii, normalized for maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The muscles activity of the sternocostal head of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and long head triceps brachii showed significant interaction between sequence and exercise. The sternocostal head of the pectoralis major showed considerably higher activity in sequence A (100.13 ± 13.56%) than sequence B (81.47 ± 13.09%) for the chest fly. The anterior deltoid showed significantly higher electromyographic activity in sequence B (86.81 ± 40.43%) than sequence A (66.15 ± 22.02%) for the chest fly, whereas for the lying triceps extension, the electromyographic activity was significantly higher in sequence A (53.89 ± 27.09%) than sequence B (34.32 ± 23.70%). For the long head triceps brachii, only the shoulder press showed differences between sequences (A = 52.43 ± 14.64 vs. B = 38.53 ± 16.26). The present study showed that the exercise order could modify the training results even though there was no alteration in volume and intensity of the exercise. These changes may result in different training adaptations.

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Impact of the “Sling Shot” Supportive Device on Upper-Body Neuromuscular Activity during the Bench Press Exercise

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207695 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7695

Author(s):

Grzegorz Wojdala ◽

Artur Golas ◽

Michal Krzysztofik ◽

Robert George Lockie ◽

Robert Roczniok ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Bench Press ◽

Body Height ◽

Muscle Group ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Upper Body ◽

Triceps Brachii ◽

Training Experience ◽

Main Effect

The aim of this study was to compare the muscle activity between the sling shot assisted (SS) and control (CONT) flat barbell bench press for selected external loads of 70%, 85%, 100% one-repetition maximum (1RM). Ten resistance-trained men participated in the study (age = 22.2 ± 1.9 years, body mass = 88.7 ± 11.2 kg, body height = 179.5 ± 4.1, 1RM in the bench press = 127.25 ± 25.86 kg, and strength training experience = 6 ± 2.5 years). Evaluation of peak muscle activity of the dominant body side was carried out using surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded for the triceps brachii, pectoralis major, and anterior deltoid during each attempt. The three-way repeated measure ANOVA revealed statistically significant main interaction for condition x muscle group (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.569); load x muscle group (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.709); and condition x load (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.418). A main effect was also observed for condition (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.968); load (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.976); and muscle group (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.977). The post hoc analysis for the main effect of the condition indicated statistically significant decrease in %MVIC for the SS compared to CONT condition (74.9 vs. 88.9%MVIC; p < 0.01; ES = 0.39). The results of this study showed that using the SS significantly affects the muscle activity pattern of the flat bench press and results in its acute decrease in comparison to an equal load under CONT conditions. The SS device may be an effective tool both in rehabilitation and strength training protocols by increasing stability with a reduction of muscular activity of the prime movers.

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Prediction of the Maximum Number of Repetitions and Repetitions in Reserve From Barbell Velocity

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2017-0302 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 353-359 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Amador García-Ramos ◽

Alejandro Torrejón ◽

Belén Feriche ◽

Antonio J. Morales-Artacho ◽

Alejandro Pérez-Castilla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

General Equation ◽

Bench Press ◽

Body Height ◽

Strong Relationship ◽

Training Set ◽

Mean Velocity ◽

The Mean ◽

Acceptable Reliability

Purpose: To provide 2 general equations to estimate the maximum possible number of repetitions (XRM) from the mean velocity (MV) of the barbell and the MV associated with a given number of repetitions in reserve, as well as to determine the between-sessions reliability of the MV associated with each XRM. Methods: After determination of the bench-press 1-repetition maximum (1RM; 1.15 ± 0.21 kg/kg body mass), 21 men (age 23.0 ± 2.7 y, body mass 72.7 ± 8.3 kg, body height 1.77 ± 0.07 m) completed 4 sets of as many repetitions as possible against relative loads of 60%1RM, 70%1RM, 80%1RM, and 90%1RM over 2 separate sessions. The different loads were tested in a randomized order with 10 min of rest between them. All repetitions were performed at the maximum intended velocity. Results: Both the general equation to predict the XRM from the fastest MV of the set (CV = 15.8–18.5%) and the general equation to predict MV associated with a given number of repetitions in reserve (CV = 14.6–28.8%) failed to provide data with acceptable between-subjects variability. However, a strong relationship (median r2 = .984) and acceptable reliability (CV < 10% and ICC > .85) were observed between the fastest MV of the set and the XRM when considering individual data. Conclusions: These results indicate that generalized group equations are not acceptable methods for estimating the XRM–MV relationship or the number of repetitions in reserve. When attempting to estimate the XRM–MV relationship, one must use individualized relationships to objectively estimate the exact number of repetitions that can be performed in a training set.

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A Comparison between Elite Swimmers and Kayakers on Upper Body Push and Pull Strength and Power Performance

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228301 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8301

Author(s):

Sandro Bartolomei ◽

Giorgio Gatta ◽

Matteo Cortesi

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Body Height ◽

Upper Body ◽

Group Differences ◽

Power Curve ◽

Power Performance ◽

Significant Group ◽

Load Power ◽

Elite Swimmers ◽

Push And Pull

The aim of the present study was to compare the load-power curve expressed at bench press (PR) and prone bench pull (PU) between elite swimmers and kayakers. Another aim was to calculate the strength and power PR/PU ratio in the same populations. Fifteen elite swimmers (SW: age = 23.8 ± 2.9 y; body mass = 82.8 ± 5.6 kg; body height = 184.1 ± 4.6 cm) and 13 elite kayakers (KA: age = 23.8 ± 2.9 y; body mass = 91.0 ± 3.5 kg; body height = 180.1 ± 5.4 cm) were assessed for PR 1RM and PU 1RM. They were then assessed for power produced at 40, 60 and 80% of 1RM in both PR and PU. The area under the load-power curve (AUC) and PR/PU ratios were calculated for both the SW and KA groups. The KA group showed significantly higher PR1RM (+18.2%; p = 0.002) and PU1RM (+25.7%; p < 0.001) compared to the SW group. Significant group differences were also detected for PUAUC (p < 0.001) and for the PR/PU power ratio (p < 0.001). No significant group differences were detected for PRAUC (p = 0.605) and for the PR/PU strength ratio (p = 0.065; 0.87 and 0.82 in SW and KA, respectively). The present findings indicate that elite KA were stronger and more powerful than elite SW in the upper body. Not consistently with other athletic populations, both KA and SW athletes were stronger and more powerful in upper body pull compared to push moves.

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Validation and Reliability of a Novel Test of Upper Body Isometric Strength

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2015-0074 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

pp. 189-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

David Bellar ◽

Lena Marcus ◽

Lawrence W. Judge

Keyword(s):

Bench Press ◽

Isometric Force ◽

Body Height ◽

Isometric Strength ◽

Upper Body ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Good Reliability ◽

Strength Assessment ◽

College Age ◽

Body Strength

AbstractThe purpose of the present investigation was to examine the association of a novel test of upper body isometric strength against a 1RM bench press measurement. Forty college age adults (n = 20 female, n = 20 male; age 22.8 ± 2.8 years; body height 171.6 ± 10.8 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 16.3 kg; body fat 23.1 ± 5.4%) volunteered for the present investigation. The participants reported to the lab on three occasions. The first visit included anthropometric measurements and familiarization with both the upper body isometric test and bench press exercise. The final visits were conducted in a randomized order, with one being a 1RM assessment on the bench press and the other consisting of three trials of the upper body isometric assessment. For the isometric test, participants were positioned in a “push-up” style position while tethered (stainless steel chain) to a load cell (high frequency) anchored to the ground. The peak isometric force was consistent across all three trials (ICC = 0.98) suggesting good reliability. Multiple regression analysis was completed with the predictors: peak isometric force, gender, against the outcome variable 1RM bench press. The analysis resulted in a significant model (r2 = 0.861, p≤0.001) with all predictor variables attaining significance in the model (p<0.05). Isometric peak strength had the greatest effect on the model (Beta = 5.19, p≤0.001). Results from this study suggest that the described isometric upper body strength assessment is likely a valid and reliable tool to determine strength. Further research is warranted to gather a larger pool of data in regard to this assessment.

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Comparison of Kinematics and Muscle Activation between Push-up and Bench Press

Sports Medicine International Open ◽

10.1055/a-1001-2526 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 03 (03) ◽

pp. E74-E81

Author(s):

Roland van den Tillaar

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Body Mass ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Bench Press ◽

Peak Velocity ◽

Upper Body ◽

Trained Subjects ◽

Linear Encoder ◽

Time Average ◽

Push Up

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the similarity in kinematics and upper-body muscle activation between push-up and bench press exercises over a range of loads. Twenty resistance-trained subjects (age 22.5±5.24 yrs, body mass 83.7±10.7 kg, height 1.80±0.06 m) executed bench presses and push-ups with 4 different loads. Bench press was executed at 50–80% of their assumed 1 repetition max in steps of 10 kg, while push-ups were executed without a weight vest and with a 10–20–30 kg weight vest. A linear encoder measured kinematics (displacement, time, average and peak velocity) during the exercises at each load, together with mean and maximal muscle activation of 8 upper body muscles and their timing for each exercise and each load. The main findings of this study demonstrate no differences in kinematics and muscle activation between the two exercises and that the different loads had the same effect upon both push-up and bench press in experienced resistance-trained men. For coaches and athletes, push-ups and bench presses for strength training can be used interchangeably. By using a weight vest, push-ups can mimic different loads that are similar to different intensities in the bench press that can be used to train strength demands.

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

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7100224 ◽

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.

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RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ARM SPAN AND THE MECHANICS OF THE ONE-REPETITION MAXIMUM TRADITIONAL AND CLOSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS

Facta Universitatis Series Physical Education and Sport ◽

10.22190/fupes180525024l ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 271

Author(s):

Robert G. Lockie ◽

Samuel J. Callaghan ◽

Ashley J. Orjalo ◽

Matthew R. Moreno

Keyword(s):

Peak Power ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Bench Press ◽

Upper Body ◽

Triceps Brachii ◽

Mean Power ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

Arm Span ◽

Prime Movers ◽

The One

The traditional bench press (TBP), performed with a grip width that maximizes strength, is a popular exercise for developing the upper-body. The close-grip bench press (CGBP) is a variation of the TBP often used to emphasize the triceps brachii over prime movers such as the pectoralis major. An individual’s arm span (AS; distance between the middle fingers of each hand while the arms are outstretched) could affect the mechanics of each exercise, which may be exacerbated by the change in grip. This study investigated relationships between AS and TBP and CGBP mechanics in resistance-trained men. Twenty-one participants completed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) TBP and CGBP. The TBP was performed with the preferred grip (measured relative to biacromial distance [BAD]), and the CGBP with a grip width of 95% BAD. A linear position transducer measured: lift distance; peak and mean power, velocity, and force; the distance and time when peak power occurred; and work. Pearson’s correlations (r; p < 0.05) computed relationships between AS and TBP and CGBP mechanics. There were significant positive relationships between AS and TBP lift distance and work (r = 0.46 and 0.51, respectively). For the CGBP, there was a significant positive relationship between AS and work (r = 0.48). There were no other significant correlations between AS and lift mechanics. Resistance-trained men with a longer AS may move the bar further and perform more work in the 1RM TBP and CGBP. This could influence how coaches measure training volume, and intensity for individuals with different AS.

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Correlation between ball speed of the spike and the strength condition of a professional women’s volleyball team during the season

Kinesiology ◽

10.26582/k.48.1.7 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 87-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

David Valadés ◽

José Manuel Palao ◽

Ángel Aúnsolo ◽

Aurelio Ureña

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Bench Press ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Upper Body ◽

Training Experience ◽

Ball Speed ◽

Strength Performance ◽

Upper Body Power ◽

The Relationship ◽

Medicine Ball

The aim of this paper was to study the relationship between spike speed and the players’ characteristics, anthropometrics, and strength levels throughout the season for a women’s professional volleyball team. Players from a Spanish first division team performed a battery of tests evaluating anthropometric characteristics, strength performance, and spike speed at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of one competitive season. The variables were: age; training experience; height; one-hand standing reach height; body mass; body mass index; height of the vertical jump with an approach (spike jump); muscle percentage of arms; 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press; 1RM pullover; overhead medicine ball throws for distance using 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kg; spike angles; and speed of standing and jump spikes. Results showed that players’ general strength (bench press and pullover) and power parameters (medicine ball throws) increased throughout theseason, while speed of the jump did not improve. The variable that best predicted the jump spike speed at all the three time points in the season was the standing spike speed. The players’ training increased their strength and upper-body power, but these improvements were not transferred to players’ hitting speed ability. Push-pull and throwing exercises were not specific enough to improve the hitting ability of the female senior volleyball players.

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Sex Comparisons for Very Short-Term Dynamic Constant External Resistance Training

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology ◽

10.3390/jfmk3040050 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 50

Author(s):

M. Byrd ◽

Taylor Dinyer ◽

Haley Bergstrom

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Body Mass ◽

Bench Press ◽

Upper Body ◽

External Resistance ◽

Short Term ◽

Post Test ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Mean ◽

Body Dynamic

This study compared sex responses for strength and barbell velocity from very short-term resistance training (VST, consisting of 2–3 training sessions) for an upper body dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercise (bench press [BP]). Ten females (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 21.3 ± 3 years, height: 166.2 ± 6 cm, body mass: 71.4 ± 10.7 kg) and 10 males (mean ± SD age: 24.6 ± 4 years, height: 179.5 ± 8 cm, body mass: 88.6 ± 11 kg) completed a pre-test visit to determine the BP 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as well as the mean (BPMV) and peak (BPPV) barbell velocities from the BP 1RM. The VST involved three training visits where the participants performed 5 sets of 6 repetitions, at 65% of the 1RM. The post-test followed the same procedures as the pre-test visit. There were significant increases in 1RM strength for both the males (5.1%) and females (5.4%) between pre-test and post-test. There were no significance differences between sex for mean (BPMV) and peak (BPPV); however, overall there was a 32.7% increase in BPMV and a 29.8% increase in BPPV. These findings indicated an increase in strength and barbell velocity for both males and females as a result of VST upper body DCER exercise in untrained subjects.

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