A biomechanical comparison of self-selected and experimentally controlled speeds and grip widths during the bench press exercise

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare one repetition maximum (1RM), a rating of discomfort, and myoelectric activity between self-selected and experimentally controlled speeds and grip widths during the bench press (BP). Four BP conditions used were self-selected speed and grip (SS), self-selected speed and experimentally controlled grip (SC), experimentally controlled speed and self-selected grip (CS), and experimentally controlled speed and grip (CC). Twenty male individuals completed 1RM measurements with each BP condition and then performed 16 BP trials (four trials per condition) for measuring myoelectric activity. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted for 1RM. Frequency analyses were conducted for a rating of discomfort. Two-way repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance were performed for myoelectric activity. SS showed a significantly higher 1RM than SC, CS, and CC. CC was characterised as the most uncomfortable BP condition (80%) followed by CS (15%), SC (5%), and SS (0%). There were no significant main effects and interaction of speed and width on myoelectric activity. A self-selected speed and grip width was recommended because it would allow a more practical and ecologically valid assessment of 1RM and a lower rating of discomfort during the BP.