scholarly journals The Effect of Grip Width on Muscle Strength and Electromyographic Activity in Bench Press among Novice- and Resistance-Trained Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6444
Author(s):  
Atle Hole Saeterbakken ◽  
Nicolay Stien ◽  
Helene Pedersen ◽  
Tom Erik Jorung Solstad ◽  
Kristoffer Toldnes Cumming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
The Other ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
Group Comparisons

Background: This study compared the muscle activity and six repetition maximum (6-RM) loads in bench press with narrow, medium, and wide grip widths with sub-group comparisons of resistance-trained (RT) and novice-trained (NT) men. Methods: After two familiarization sessions, twenty-eight subjects lifted their 6-RM loads with the different grip widths with measurement of electromyographic activity. Results: Biceps brachii activity increased with increasing grip width, whereas wide grip displayed lower triceps brachii activation than medium and narrow. In the anterior deltoid, greater activity was observed using a medium compared to narrow grip. Similar muscle activities were observed between the grip widths for the other muscles. For the RT group, greater biceps brachii activity with increasing grip width was observed, but only greater activity was observed in the NT group between narrow and wide. Comparing wide and medium grip width, the RT group showed lower triceps activation using a wide grip, whereas the NT group showed lower anterior deltoid activation using a narrow compared to medium grip. Both groups demonstrated lower 6-RM loads using a narrow grip compared to the other grips. Conclusion: Grip widths affect both 6-RM loads and triceps brachii, biceps brachii, and anterior deltoid activity especially between wide and narrow grip widths.

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.

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

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-210 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Effect of Fatigue Upon Performance and Electromyographic Activity in 6-RM Bench Press

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland van den Tillaar ◽  
Atle Saeterbakken
Keyword(s):  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Antagonist Muscle ◽  
Prime Movers ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Single Set

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fatigue during one set of 6-RM bench pressing upon the muscle patterning and performance. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age 22.5±2.0 years, stature 1.82±0.07 m, body mass 82.0±7.8 kg) conducted a 6-RM bench press protocol. Barbell kinematics and EMG activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus abdominis, oblique external and erector spinae were measured in each repetition during the 6-RM bench press. Total lifting time increased and the velocity in the ascending movement decreased (p≤0.001). However, the kinematics in the descending phase deferred: the time decreased and velocity increased during the 6-RM (p≤0.001). Generally, muscles increased their EMG amplitude during the six repetitions in the ascending movement, while only three of the seven measured muscles showed an increase over the six repetitions in the descending part in 6-RM bench pressing. It was concluded that the bench pressing performance decreased (lower barbell velocities and longer lifting times) with increasing fatigue in the 6-RM execution. Furthermore EMG increased in the prime movers and the trunk stabilizers (abdominal and spine), while the antagonist muscle (biceps) activity was not affected by fatigue during the lifting phase in a single set of 6-RM bench pressing

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 Effect of Five Bench Inclinations on the Electromyographic Activity of the Pectoralis Major, Anterior Deltoid, and Triceps Brachii during the Bench Press Exercise

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7339
Author(s):  
David Rodríguez-Ridao ◽  
José A. Antequera-Vique ◽  
Isabel Martín-Fuentes ◽  
José M. Muyor
Keyword(s):  
Bench Press ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Upper Body Strength ◽  
Anterior Deltoid

The bench press exercise is one of the most used for training and for evaluating upper-body strength. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) activity levels of the pectoralis major (PM) in its three portions (upper portion, PMUP, middle portion, PMMP, and lower portion, PMLP), the anterior deltoid (AD), and the triceps brachii (TB) medial head during the bench press exercise at five bench angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°). Thirty trained adults participated in the study. The EMG activity of the muscles was recorded at the aforementioned inclinations at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The results showed that the maximal EMG activity for PMUP occurred at a bench inclination of 30°. PMMP and PMLP showed higher EMG activity at a 0° bench inclination. AD had the highest EMG activity at 60°. TB showed similar EMG activities at all bench inclinations. In conclusion, the horizontal bench press produces similar electromyographic activities for the pectoralis major and the anterior deltoid. An inclination of 30° produces greater activation of the upper portion of the pectoralis major. Inclinations greater than 45° produce significantly higher activation of the anterior deltoid and decrease the muscular performance of the pectoralis major.

scholarly journals Comparison of electromyographic activity during the bench press and barbell pulloverexercises

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri de Almeida Costa Campos ◽  
Sandro Fernandes da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Dynamic Contractions ◽  
Anterior Deltoid

The aim of the study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the following muscles: clavicular portion of pectoralis major, sternal portion of pectoralis major, long portion of triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi during dynamic contractions between flat horizontal bench press and barbell pulloverexercises. The sample comprised 12 males individuals experienced in resistance training. The volunteers made three visits to the laboratory. The first one consisted of 12 repetitions of the exercises for the electromyographic data collection. The results showed a higher EMG activation of the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles in the flat horizontal bench press in comparison with the barbell pullover. The triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi muscles were more activated in the barbell pullover.

scholarly journals The Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Loading on Mechanical Variables and Agonist Electromyography during the Bench Press

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Alexis H. Castro ◽  
Dylan Zangakis ◽  
Gavin L. Moir
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Pectoralis Major Muscle ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Lifting Technique ◽  
3D Motion Analysis ◽  
Analysis System

We compared the effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on mechanical variables and agonist muscle activation using low (30% 1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and high (80% 1RM) upward-phase loading with AEL (100% 1RM during downward phase) to traditional loading schemes (T) in the bench press. Twelve resistance-trained men (26 ± 6 years; 1RM: 134 ± 33 kg) performed sets of two repetitions with three-minute intervals using loading schemes of 30AEL, 30T, 80AEL, and 80T. AEL was applied using weight releasers while force plates and a 3D motion-analysis system were used to measure mechanical variables. Electromyographic activity of the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles was also recorded. The greater downward-phase loads experienced during the AEL conditions allowed greater overall mean vertical forces (mean difference ( x ¯ Diff): 118 N, p < 0.001), greater work ( x ¯ Diff: 43 J, p < 0.001), and greater pectoralis major muscle activation ( x ¯ Diff: 27 µV, p = 0.002) compared to the corresponding traditional loading schemes. However, there was little evidence of potentiation of the mechanical variables or muscle activity during the subsequent upward phases caused by the AEL schemes. It is possible that the use of weight releasers may disrupt lifting technique particularly during low AEL schemes thereby diminishing any benefits.

scholarly journals Changes in Muscle Pattern Activity during the Asymmetric Flat Bench Press (Offset Training)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakub Jarosz ◽  
Artur Gołaś ◽  
Michal Krzysztofik ◽  
Patryk Matykiewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Strońska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Random Order ◽  
The Body ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
Asymmetric Load ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Loaded Side

Background: This study aimed to compare the muscle activity between the symmetric and selected asymmetric loads (2.5%; 5% and 7.5% differences in load position between sides of the bar) during the flat bench press (BP) exercise at 70%1RM. The study included 10 resistance-trained males (25.3 ± 2.3 years; 82.9 ± 6.9 kg; 177.8 ± 4.5 cm; 1RM BP: 104.5 ± 8.6 kg; experience: 5.6 ± 1.5 years). Methods: To assess the differences in muscle activity between both sides of the body and load placement, the participants performed several attempts of the BP with symmetric and asymmetric load at 70%1RM in a random order (symmetric; 2.5%; 5% and 7.5% differences in load position between sides of the bar). Peak muscle activity of dominant and non-dominant body-side was recorded for the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), and the long head of the triceps brachii (TB). Results: A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a statistically significant main interaction between side and load (p < 0.01) for AD, PM and TB muscles. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that asymmetrically loaded BP leads to significantly higher muscle activity on the loaded side of the body. The offset training method during bilateral resistance exercise may be an effective and simple approach for reductions in muscle imbalances and improvement in bilateral exercise performance.

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