Strength and Power Characteristics in National Amateur Rugby Players

Rugby players need muscular strength and power to meet the demands of the sport; therefore, a proper assessment of the performance in rugby players should include both variables. The purpose of this study was to examine the strength and power characteristics (SPC) during the squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) in national amateur rugby players and to analyze gender- and position-related differences. A total of 47 players (30 males and 17 females; age: 25.56 ± 1.14 and 23.16 ± 1.38 years, respectively) participated in the study. The one repetition-maximum (1-RM) and SPC in SQ and BP were obtained using a Smith Machine. Then, subjects performed one set of five repetitions on the SQ and BP against six relative loads (30–40–50–60–70–80% 1-RM) using a linear transducer. Differences between genders were found in 1-RM for maximal power, kilograms lifted at maximal power, maximal power, maximal strength and maximal speed in BP (p < 0.00) and 1-RM, kilograms lifted at maximal power, maximal power, maximal strength and maximal speed in SQ (p < 0.00). Comparisons between variables in SQ and BP present a significant relationship (p < 0.01) in SQ and BP 1-RM with kilograms lifted at maximal power (r = 0.86 and r = 0.84), maximal strength (r = 0.53 and r = 0.92) and maximal power (r = 0.76 and r = 0.93). This study confirms the importance of the SPC assessment for training prescription in rugby amateur players.

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Validity and Reliability of a Smartphone Accelerometer for Measuring Lift Velocity in Bench-Press Exercises

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12062312 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 2312

Author(s):

Javier Peláez Barrajón ◽

Alejandro F. San Juan

Keyword(s):

Bench Press ◽

Basic Program ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Training Experience ◽

Mean Velocity ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

Linear Transducer ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year ◽

The One

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability that a smartphone accelerometer (ACC) used by a mobile basic program (MBP) can provide to measure the mean velocity of a bench-press (BP) lift. Ten volunteers participated in the study (age 23.1 ± 2.5 years; mean ± SD). They had more than one year of resistance training experience in BP exercise. All performed three attempts with different loads: 70%, 90%, and 100% of the estimated value of the one-repetition maximum (1RM). In each repetition, the mean velocity was measured by a validated linear transducer and the ACC. The smartphone accelerometer used by the mobile basic program showed no significant differences between the mean velocities at 70% 1RM lifts (ACC = 0.52 ± 0.11 m/s; transducer = 0.54 ± 0.09 m/s, p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found in the mean velocities for 90% 1RM (ACC = 0.46 ± 0.09 m/s; transducer = 0.31 ± 0.03 m/s, p < 0.001), and 100% 1RM (ACC = 0.33 ± 0.21 m/s; transducer = 0.16 ± 0.04 m/s, p < 0.05). The accelerometer is sensitive enough to measure different lift velocities, but the algorithm must be correctly calibrated.

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Differences in the one-repetition maximum and load-velocity profile between the flat and arched bench press in competitive powerlifters

Sports Biomechanics ◽

10.1080/14763141.2018.1544662 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Amador García-Ramos ◽

Alejandro Pérez-Castilla ◽

Francisco Javier Villar Macias ◽

Pedro Á. Latorre-Román ◽

Juan A. Párraga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Velocity Profile ◽

Bench Press ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

The One

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The Effects of the Movement Tempo on the One-Repetition Maximum Bench Press Results

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2020-0001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 72 (1) ◽

pp. 151-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Michal Wilk ◽

Artur Golas ◽

Piotr Zmijewski ◽

Michal Krzysztofik ◽

Aleksandra Filip ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Bench Press ◽

Trial And Error ◽

Training Experience ◽

Test Procedures ◽

Test Protocol ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

One Year ◽

The One

AbstractDifferent tempos of movement can be used during resistance training, but programming them is often a trial-and-error practice, as changing the speed at which the exercise is performed does not always correspond with the tempo at which the 1-repetition-maximum occurred. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of different movement tempos during the bench press (BP) exercise on the one-repetition maximum (1RM) load. Ninety men (age = 25.8 ± 5.3 years, body mass = 80.2 ± 14.9 kg), with a minimum one year of resistance training experience took part in the study. Using a randomized crossover design, each participant completed the BP 1RM test with five different movement tempos: V/0/V/0, 2/0/V/0, 5/0/V/0, 8/0/V/0 and 10/0/V/0. Repeated measures ANOVA compared the differences between the 1RM at each tempo. The 1RM load was significantly greater during V/0/V/0 and 2/0/V/0 compared to 5/0/V/0, 8/0/V/0, and 10/0/V/0 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the 1RM load was significantly greater during 5/0/V/0 compared to 8/0/V/0 and 10/0/V/0 (p < 0.01), but there were no differences between either V/0/V/0 and 2/0/V/0 (p = 0.92) or between 8/0/V/0 and 10/0/V/0 (p = 0.08). Therefore, different movement tempos used during training should be accompanied by their own tempo-specific 1RM testing, as slower eccentric phases significantly decrease maximal concentric performance. Furthermore, 1RM test procedures should include information about the movement tempo used during the test protocol. In addition, the standardization of the tempo should be taken into account in investigations that use the 1 RM test to assess the effects of any treatment on maximal muscle strength.

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The Effects of Asparagus Racemosus Supplementation Plus 8 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Endurance

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology ◽

10.3390/jfmk5010004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

John Paul V. Anders ◽

Joshua L. Keller ◽

Cory M. Smith ◽

Ethan C. Hill ◽

Terry J. Housh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Muscular Strength ◽

Bench Press ◽

Asparagus Racemosus ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

Dependent Variables ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Repetitions To Failure

Previous studies have demonstrated that ayurvedic ingredients exhibit ergogenic (performance enhancing) properties, however, no previous studies have examined the ergogenic potential of Asparagus racemosus. The purpose of the present study was to examine the ergogenic efficacy of supplementation with 500 mg·d−1 of A. racemosus during bench press training. Eighteen recreationally trained men (mean ± SD; age = 20.4 ± 0.5 yrs; height = 179.7 ± 1.5 cm; weight = 84.7 ± 5.7 kg) were randomly assigned either 500 mg·d−1 of A. racemosus (n = 10) or placebo (n = 8). An overlapping sample of 10 participants were used to determine test-retest reliability. Pre- and post-training testing included bench press with one repetition maximum (1RM) and repetitions to failure at 70% of pre-training 1RM. The participants performed two sets of bench press to failure three times a week for eight weeks. Independent t-tests, Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), and regression analyses were used to analyze the dependent variables. The results demonstrated greater mean percentage (14.3 ± 7.7% vs. 7.8 ± 4.5%; p = 0.048) and individual (80% vs. 50%) increases in 1RM, mean (17.5 ± 2.2 repetitions vs. 15.2 ± 2.2 repetitions; p = 0.044) and individual (80% vs. 38%) increases in repetitions to failure, and a greater rate of increase in training loads for the Asparagus racemosus group than the placebo group. In conjunction with bench press training, supplementation with A. racemosus provided ergogenic benefits compared to placebo.

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Effect of Velocity Loss on Strength Performance in Bench Press Using a Weight Stack Machine

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-1179-5849 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (13) ◽

pp. 921-928 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Luis Rodiles-Guerrero ◽

Fernando Pareja-Blanco ◽

Juan Antonio León-Prados

Keyword(s):

Average Velocity ◽

Bench Press ◽

Maximal Strength ◽

Strength Performance ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

Heavy Loads ◽

Training Efficiency

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the effects of three different velocity loss thresholds (10%: VL10, 30%: VL30 and 50%: VL50) on maximal strength and velocity at different intensities during bench press using a weight stack machine (WSM-BP). Forty-five men were randomly assigned to three groups: VL10 (n=15), VL30 (n=15) and VL50 (n=15), which followed a 5-week (15 sessions) velocity-based WSM-BP program. Assessments performed Pre- and Post-training included: a) estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM) in WSM-BP; b) average velocity attained against all absolute loads common to Pre- and Post-training tests in WSM-BP; c) average velocity attained against all absolute loads that were lifted equal to or faster than 0.8 m·s−1 at Pre-training (light loads); and d) average velocity attained against all absolute loads that were lifted slower than 0.8 m·s−1 at Pre-training (heavy loads). All groups showed significant improvements in 1RM, velocity against all loads, and velocity against heavy loads (P<0.001–0.01). However, only the VL10 group showed significant enhancements in velocity against light loads (P=0.05). Therefore, the VL10 group showed a higher training efficiency compared to VL30 and VL50 interventions, since it obtained similar benefits by performing fewer repetitions.

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Establishment of the Prediction Equations of 1RM Skeletal Muscle Strength in 60- to 75-Year-Old Chinese Men and Women

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2014-0103 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 640-646 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sijie Tan ◽

Jianxiong Wang ◽

Shanshan Liu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Bench Press ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Prediction Equations ◽

Chinese Men ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

The One ◽

Skeletal Muscle Strength

The purpose of this study was to establish the one-repetition maximum (1RM) prediction equations of a biceps curl, bench press, and squat from the submaximal skeletal muscle strength of 4–10RM or 11–15RM in older adults. The first group of 109 participants aged 60–75 years was recruited to measure their 1RM, 4–10RM, and 11–15RM of the three exercises. The 1RM prediction equations were developed by multiple regression analyses. A second group of participants with similar physical characteristics to the first group was used to evaluate the equations. The actual measured 1RM of the second group correlated significantly to the predicted 1RM obtained from the equations (r values were from .633–.985), and standard error of estimate ranged from 1.08–5.88. Therefore, the equations can be used to predict 1RM from submaximal skeletal muscle strength accurately for older adults.

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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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The effects of a 6-week plyometric training on muscular strength performance in silat exponents

Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas ◽

10.18002/rama.v14i2s.5976 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (2s) ◽

pp. 28

Author(s):

Dahlia Al-Syurgawi ◽

Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie

Keyword(s):

Muscular Strength ◽

Maximum Strength ◽

Control Group ◽

Test Results ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Strength Performance ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

Post Test ◽

The One ◽

Experimental Group

<div><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6-week plyometric training on muscular strength in young silat athletes. Thirty-four male silat exponents (<em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 14 ± 3.22 years) were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group (<em>n</em> = 17 for each group). The experimental group participated in conventional silat workout routine three times a week for one-hour session plus plyometric training two times a week for one-hour session. The control group performed conventional silat workout routine three times per week for one to two-hours session. The one repetition maximum (1RM) squat test was used three times (pre-, mid- and post-test). Results revealed that muscular strength performance improved for the experimental group. This improvement was 9.16% between pre- and mid-test, 18.81% between mid- and post-test, and 29.7 % between pre- and post-test. Plyometric training was shown to be effective to improve maximum strength of young silat athletes.</p></div>

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Comparison of the bench press one-repetition maximum obtained by different procedures: Direct assessment vs. lifts-to-failure equations vs. two-point method

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/1747954120911312 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 337-346 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alejandro Pérez-Castilla ◽

Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽

Dario Martínez-García ◽

Ángela Rodríguez-Perea ◽

Luis J Chirosa-Ríos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bench Press ◽

Direct Method ◽

Maximum Load ◽

Point Method ◽

Loading Test ◽

Repetition Maximum ◽

Data Points ◽

The One ◽

The Individual ◽

Incremental Loading

This study examined the differences in the bench press one-repetition maximum obtained by three different methods (direct method, lifts-to-failure method, and two-point method). Twenty young men were tested in four different sessions. A single grip width (close, medium, wide, or self-selected) was randomly used on each session. Each session consisted of an incremental loading test until reaching the one-repetition maximum, followed by a single set of lifts-to-failure against the 75% one-repetition maximum load. The last load lifted during the incremental loading test was considered the actual one-repetition maximum (direct method). The one-repetition maximum was also predicted using the Mayhew’s equation (lifts-to-failure method) and the individual load–velocity relationship modeled from two data points (two-point method). The actual one-repetition maximum was underestimated by the lifts-to-failure method (range: 1–2 kg) and overestimated by the two-point method (range: –3 to –1 kg), being these differences accentuated using closer grip widths. All predicted one-repetition maximums were practically perfectly correlated with the actual one-repetition maximum ( r ≥ 0.95; standard error of the estimate ≤ 4 kg). The one-repetition maximum was higher using the medium grip width (83 ± 3 kg) compared to the close (80 ± 3 kg) and wide (79 ± 3 kg) grip widths ( P ≤ 0.025), while no significant differences were observed between the medium and self-selected (81 ± 3 kg) grip widths ( P = 1.000). In conclusion, although both the Mayhew’s equation and the two-point method are able to predict the actual one-repetition maximum with an acceptable precision, the differences between the actual and predicted one-repetition maximums seem to increase when using close grip widths.

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