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

Andrea Melani,Prisco Mirandola,Luca Maria Neri,Valentina Presta,Antonio Cicchella,Cecilia Carubbi,Giuliana Gobbi,Laura Galuppo,Gaspare Giovinco,Elena Masselli,Daniela Galli,Marco Vitale,Mauro Vaccarezza

doi:10.3390/sports7100224

Abstract

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.

Highlights

The bench press exercise (BP) is widely used among both recreational and professional athletes forIntroduction strength training. [1]
There is no age limit to practicing BP. Providing it is performed in adapted physical activity programs
Strength training with BP could be useful for preventing sarcopenia and maintaining muscle strength and function reducing articular stress

Summary

Introduction

The bench press exercise (BP) is widely used among both recreational and professional athletes forIntroduction strength training. [1]. The bench press exercise (BP) is widely used among both recreational and professional athletes forIntroduction strength training. BP exercise requires balance to lift a weight that consists of a steel bar with circular cast iron discs that (BP). The. The bench press exercise widely usedbar among both recreational professional athletes present-day barbells [1]. Requires balance to lift a weight that consists ofon a steel barof with tool (home fitness, fitness, Olympic activities), the length of the bar varies from to cm. 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 preventing articular stress

Methods

Results

Conclusion