Using Additional Eccentric Loads to Increase Concentric Performance in the Bench Throw

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether superior concentric performance could be achieved in the bench throw with the use of additional eccentric loads. Fourteen male subjects performed bench throws in a smith machine with an eccentric-concentric load of 40-kg (40-40), and 40-kg concentric with additional eccentric loads of 20 (60-40), 30 (70-40), and 40 kg (80-40). A linear position transducer was used to record displacement-time characteristics, allowing for determination of maximum displacement of the barbell. Differences between the conditions were accepted when p < 0.05. Barbell displacements in the 60- to 40-, 70- to 40-, and 80- to 40-kg eccentric-concentric conditions were all significantly greater than for the 40- to 40-kg eccentric-concentric equated load condition, but no significant difference was observed between each eccentric-concentric load condition. Superior concentric peak barbell displacement can be achieved with additional eccentric loads in the 40-kg bench throw when compared to an equated eccentric-concentric 40- to 40-kg condition, possibly because of greater muscle tension and crossbridging during the eccentric action. Strength and conditioning coaches can use accentuated eccentric load bench throws to elicit greater concentric bench throw performance in athletes.