Abstract
The close-grip bench press (CGBP) is a variation of the traditional bench press (TBP) that uses a narrower grip (~95% biacromial distance) and has application for athletes performing explosive arm actions where the hands are positioned close to the torso. Limited research has investigated CGBP peak power. Twenty-six strength-trained individuals completed a one-repetition maximum TBP and CGBP. During two other sessions, subjects completed two repetitions as explosively as possible with loads from 20% to 90% for each exercise, with peak power measured by a linear position transducer. A factorial ANOVA calculated between- and within-exercise differences in peak power. Partial correlations controlling for sex determined relationships between absolute and relative strength and peak power load. Peak power for the TBP occurred at 50% 1RM, and 30% 1RM for the CGBP. There were no significant (p = 0.680) differences between peak power at each load when comparing the TBP and CGBP. For the within-exercise analysis, there were generally no significant differences in TBP and CGBP peak power for the 20–50% 1RM loads. There were no significant relationships between strength and peak power load (p = 0.100–0.587). A peak power loading range of 20–50% 1RM for the TBP and CGBP is suggested for strength-trained individuals.
Highlights
Upper-body strength is a necessity for many athletes [1], and this is commonly demonstrated in pushing actions specific to a particular sport
The mean grip width for the traditional bench press (TBP) was 0.61 ± 0.12 m, while for the close-grip bench press (CGBP) it was 0.34 ± 0.04 m
This study documented that peak power in the CGBP was similar to that for the TBP across loads from 20% to 90% 1RM
Summary
Upper-body strength is a necessity for many athletes [1], and this is commonly demonstrated in pushing actions specific to a particular sport Some examples of this include a chest pass in basketball and netball [2,3,4], fending in rugby league or rugby union [5,6], and blocking in American football [7]. The traditional bench press (TBP) is performed with a self-selected hand position typically wider than shoulder-width apart, which Young et al [1] referred to as the “strongest position” for an individual This hand position may not mirror that performed during pushing actions in athletic activities.
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