One-repetition Maximum Bench Press Research Articles

Important features of bench press performance in non-disabled and Para athletes: A scoping review.

Understanding important features for performance in non-disabled bench press and Paralympic powerlifting may inform talent identification and transfer models. The aim of this scoping review was to describe features associated with bench press performance. We conducted a systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, SportDiscus and EMBASE) to identify studies involving non-disabled and Para athlete populations that investigated features related to bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), across six domains (anthropometric, body composition, demographic, technical, disability and neuromuscular). Search terms included "resistance training", "para powerlifting' and "one repetition max". No date restrictions were include in searches. Studies using adult participants, with at least six-months of bench press experience, who were able to bench press their body mass were included. Thirty-two studies met our inclusion criteria. Twenty-four studies involved non-disabled athletes (total n = 2,686; 21.9% female) and eight involved Para athletes (total n = 2,364; 39.4% female). Anthropometric (17 studies) and body composition (12 studies) features were most studied; half of the 32 studies investigated features from a single domain. Of anthropometric variables, upper arm circumference shared the strongest association with bench press 1RM in non-disabled (r = 0.87) and para-athletes (r = 0.65). Upper limb fat free mass (r = 0.91) and body mass index (r = 0.46) were the body composition variables sharing the strongest association with bench press 1RM in non-disabled and para-athletes. Few studies considering the uncertainty of their results. Practices of open and transparent science, such as pre-registration and data sharing, were absent. The development of bench press talent identification and sport transfer models will require future studies to investigate both non-training and training modifiable features, across multiple domains. Large longitudinal studies using information from athlete monitoring databases and multivariable model approaches are needed to understand the interacting features associated with bench press performance, and for the development of talent identification models.

Impact of three weeks of integrative neuromuscular training on the athletic performance of elite female boxers.

To investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) on the athletic performance of elite female boxers. A before-and-after controlled experiment was conducted on 37 elite Chinese female boxers (Age: 26.00±3.11 years). All included athletes have competed at the international level. The INT intervention was administered 11 times per week for 3 weeks. This training includes strength training, explosive training, core stability, agility exercises, high intensity intervals and sprint intervals. Basic physical fitness tests, including the deep squat and bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), vertical long jump, 30 m sprint run, 400 m run, 3,000 m run, 1-minute hexagonal jump, and 3-minute double shake; as well as specialized striking ability tests, including single-punch striking and 10-second, 30-second, and 3-minute continuous punching, were conducted before and after the intervention. Compared with pre-intervention baseline data, significant differences were found in the athletes' post-intervention baseline physical fitness, including squat and beach press (1RM), vertical jump, 30 m sprint run, 400 m run, 3,000 m run, 1-minute hexagonal jump, and 3-minute double shake (p<0.05). Additionally, 10-second, 30-second, and 3-minute continuous punching were significantly different compared with pre-intervention (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in single punch power (p>0.05). The 3-week INT can significantly improve the maximum strength, vertical explosive power, linear acceleration, agility, and continuous punching abilities of Chinese elite female boxers. The use of INT in physical training may enhance their athletic performance.

Wrist Wraps Do Not Affect Barbell Bench Press Muscular Strength, Power, or Endurance in Resistance-Trained Men and Women.

Abstract Harris, DR, Harris, DR, Cardaci, TD, Cintineo, HP, Funderburk, LK, and Machek, SB. Wrist wraps do not impact barbell bench press muscular strength, power, or endurance in resistance-trained men and women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—Although wrist wraps have become increasingly prevalent in both competitive and recreational demographics to improve upper-body strength, their posited ability to augment bench press performance by enhanced wrist stability still remains underinvestigated. Furthermore, no data exist determining the efficacy of varying wrap styles on bench-specific muscular strength and associated power, and quantitative and subjective differences between sexes. Eighteen resistance-trained male and female subjects (9M/9F; 24 ± 4 years; 176 ± 33 cm; 80 ± 15 kg) visited the laboratory on 3 separate occasions in randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design to wear either a flexible wrist wrap (FW), stiff wrap (SW), or an unwrapped/no-wrap control (NW) condition. All subjects underwent a bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) test and linear position transducer-derived power and velocity assessments. Furthermore, subjective stability (SS) and discomfort (SD) were determined promptly following 1RM attempts. Analyses failed to detect any main condition or interaction effects for bench press 1RM; however, a statistically significant main sex effect was observed (p &lt; 0.001; = 0.597) favoring male subjects relative to female subjects. Neither power nor velocity measurements revealed any significant main condition or sex effects, nor any interactions. Nonparametric assessments further revealed significant wrist wrap condition effects for both SS and SD (p &lt; 0.001 in both cases), whereby NW was statistically more comfortable (p &lt; 0.001) than either wrap condition, without any difference between FW and SW (p &gt; 0.05). Although wrist wraps did not significantly alter bench press-specific strength and power, subjects nonetheless perceived wrist wraps as subjectively more stable irrespective of increased discomfort.

Skiing economy and kinematic during a field double poling roller skiing among novice and experienced cross-country skiers

To assess the skiing economy (SE) and kinematics during double poling (DP) roller skiing between two groups of skiers in a field setting. Five experienced and five novice male skiers performed a SEDP test at 16 km∙h−1 on an outdoor athletics track. Gas exchange parameters were measured to determine SEDP. A two-dimensional video was filmed to measure the kinematics variables. Experienced skiers exhibited a 21% lower oxygen cost than novice skiers (p = 0.016) in DP, indicating a strong association between SEDP, cycle length and cycle rate (p < 0.001). Additionally, before the poling phase, experienced skiers manifested significantly greater maximum hip and knee extension angles than novice skiers (p < 0.001). During the poling phase, experienced skiers with a greater pole plant angle (p = 0.001), longer flexion time (p < 0.001) and higher flexion angular velocity in the elbow joint (p < 0.05) demonstrated better SEDP. There was an interaction effect of the one-repetition maximum bench press × group in SEDP (b = − 0.656, SE = 0.097, t = − 6.78, p = 0.001). Therefore, experienced skiers with better SEDP demonstrated more efficient cycles, potentially accomplished using dynamic full-body DP motion to ascertain effective propulsion. Combined upper body strength and ski-specific skill training may enhance SEDP in novice skiers.

Synergistic Effect of Rhodiola rosea and Caffeine Supplementation on the Improvement of Muscle Strength and Muscular Endurance: A Pilot Study for Rats, Resistance Exercise-Untrained and -Trained Volunteers.

Multi-level studies have shown that Rhodiola rosea (RHO) and Caffeine (CAF) have the potential to be nutritional supplements to enhance physical performance in resistance exercise-untrained and -trained subjects. This study examined the synergistic effects of RHO (262.7 mg/kg for rats and 2.4 g for volunteers) and CAF (19.7 mg/kg for rats and 3 mg/kg for volunteers) supplementation on improving physical performance in rats, resistance exercise-untrained volunteers and resistance exercise-trained volunteers. Rats and volunteers were randomly grouped into placebo, CAF, RHO and CAF+RHO and administered accordingly with the nutrients during the training procedure, and pre- and post-measures were collected. We found that RHO+CAF was effective in improving forelimb grip strength (13.75%), erythropoietin (23.85%), dopamine (12.65%) and oxygen consumption rate (9.29%) in the rat model. Furthermore, the current results also indicated that the combination of RHO+CAF significantly increased the bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) (16.59%), deep squat 1RM (15.75%), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) (14.72%) and maximum repetitions of 60% 1RM bench press (22.15%) in resistance exercise-untrained volunteers. Additionally, despite the excellent base level of the resistance exercise-trained volunteers, their deep squat 1RM and MVIC increased substantially through the synergistic effect of RHO and CAF. In conclusion, combined supplementation of RHO+CAF is more beneficial in improving the resistance exercise performance for both resistance exercise-untrained and -trained volunteers. The present results provide practical evidence that the synergies of RHO and CAF could serve as potential supplementary for individuals, especially resistance exercise-trained subjects, to ameliorate their physical performances effectively and safely.

Upper body push to pull ratios in law enforcement officer recruits.

Law enforcement recruits (LER) often encounter shoulder injuries, which may cause attrition from academies. Investigating required upper body muscular fitness may inform of muscular balance around shoulder joints through anterior and posterior ratios in LER. To investigate push to pull ratios (P2P) and factors related with P2P in LER. LER (95 males; 12 females) completed testing during a single session in the academy's first week: body mass, one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, push-up repetitions (reps) to failure, and pull-up reps to failure. Calculations were: estimated pull-up 1RM=body mass+0.033*(body mass x pull-ups); endurance P2P (eP2P)=push-ups / pull-ups; strength P2P (sP2P)=bench press 1RM / estimated pull-up 1RM. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed relationships among tests and P2P (p < 0.05). The sP2P was positively correlated with bench press 1RM and push-ups. The eP2P was negatively associated with pull-up reps and 1RM. Females had similar eP2P, but lower sP2P than male recruits (p < 0.05). Practitioners may benefit from examining eP2P and sP2P as they should not be used interchangeably. Future research should examine whether the P2P ratios are associated with injury and subsequent inability to successfully complete law enforcement training academies.

The Effects of Offset Loading Versus Traditional Loading in the Bench Press Exercise on Muscle Thickness and Strength in Trained Males

PurposeThis study compared the effects of offset loading (OSL) versus traditional loading (TDL) in the bench press exercise on pectoral muscle thickness and bench press strength over a 4-week mesocycle. Methods: Twenty male participants aged 18–45 years with at least 5 years of bench press experience and a bench press one-repetition maximum equal to or greater than their body mass were randomly assigned to OSL and TDL groups. Before and after the 4-week mesocycle, pectoral muscle thickness was assessed via ultrasonography and muscle strength was assessed by bench press one-repetition maximum. Effects were explored with two-way mixed ANOVA and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences. Results: No group-by-time interaction was detected for any variable (P > 0.05). When compared to small magnitudes, the pectoralis major muscle thickness changes were likely greater in OSL compared to TDL for the dominant (ES = 0.70; 87% likely greater) and nondominant pectoralis (ES = 0.77; 91% likely greater) as well as the sum of both pectorals (ES = 0.80; 92% likely greater). Similarly, a likely greater effect for absolute (ES = 0.57; 82% likely) and relative (ES = 0.67; 85% likely) bench press strength was seen with OSL. Conclusion: Magnitude-based inferences interpreted here support the notion that OSL may be an advantageous training modality to enhance pectoral muscle thickness and bench press strength.

A Comparison of Electromyographic Inter-Limb Asymmetry During a Standard Versus a Sling Shot Assisted Bench Press Exercise.

The objective of this study was to compare peak surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of selected muscles along with inter-limb asymmetries between a control (CONT) and a Sling shot assisted (SS) bench press exercise. Ten resistance-trained males with at least three-year experience in resistance training (22.2 ± 1.9 years, 88.7 ± 11.2 kg, 179.5 ± 4.1 cm, bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) = 127.3 ± 25.9 kg) performed the flat bench press exercise under two conditions at selected loads (85% and 100% of 1RM assessed without the SS). Peak sEMG amplitude of triceps brachii, pectoralis major, and anterior deltoid was recorded for the dominant and the non-dominant side of the body during each attempt. The comparison between the dominant and the non-dominant side was carried out using the limb symmetry index (LSI(%) = (2*(XR - XL)/(XR + XL))*100%) where XR = values of the right side and XL = values of the left side. There was a main effect of condition (p = 0.004; η2 = 0.64) and the load (p = 0.004; η2 = 0.63) for the triceps brachii LSI in parallel with a main effect of condition (p = 0.003; η2 = 0.42) for the anterior deltoid LSI. Post hoc analysis for the main effect of condition showed significant differences in the LSI between the CONT and SS conditions for the triceps brachii (p = 0.003; 1.10% vs. -8.78%) as well as for the anterior deltoid muscles (p = 0.03; 12.91% vs. 9.23%). The results indicate that the assistance of the Sling shot significantly affects the sEMG activity pattern on both the dominant and non-dominant sides of the body while influencing inter-limb asymmetries.

Effect Of Proximity To Failure During Resistance Training On Bench Press Strength

PURPOSE: To compare changes in bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) between training programs with different proximities to failure using the repetitions in reserve (RIR)-based rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. METHODS: Fourteen males (height: 175.77 ± 5.72 cm, body mass: 80.15 ± 13.12 kg, bench press one-repetition maximum-1RM relative to body mass: 1.27 ± 0.12) with ≥2 yrs of bench press experience were assigned to one of two groups: 1) 4-6 RPE, n = 7 (4-6 RIR) or 2) 7-9 RPE, n = 7 (1-3 RIR) for 8wks. Pre and post 1RM strength testing was performed 48 hours before the first training session and 48 hours after the last training session, respectively. Both groups performed the bench press 3x/wk on non-consecutive days (e.g., Mon., Wed., Fri.) using the same number of sets and repetitions on an undulating resistance training program, which linearly decreased repetitions throughout. Weeks 1-3 consisted of 10, 8, and 6 repetitions on sessions 1, 2, and 3, respectively; weeks 4-5 consisted of 9, 7, and 5 repetitions; and weeks 6-7 consisted of 8, 6, and 4 repetitions. Week 1 served as an introductory week in which fewer sets were performed at a lower RPE. Week 8 served as a taper with 4 and 2 repetition days on session 1 and session 2, respectively, followed by post-testing in session 3. In weeks 2-7 (i.e., main training period), 10 weekly sets were performed. Subjects were instructed to select a load in which the set ended with 4-6 RPE or 7-9 RPE. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess 1RM changes and independent t-tests compared relative intensity (% of 1RM) and relative volume (% of 1RM × reps). RESULTS: Significant increases in 1RM bench press strength were observed in both the 4-6 RPE group (104.79 ± 27.90 to 114.93 ± 24.35 kg; p < 0.01; +10.91%; g = 0.30) and 7-9 RPE group (103.07 ± 19.58 to 112.86 ± 18.39 kg; p < 0.01; +9.98%; g = 0.29); however, no significant group × time interactions were observed (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the 4-6 RPE and 7-9 RPE groups for relative intensity (80.1 ± 4.23 vs. 83.9 ± 3.15% of 1RM; p = 0.083) or relative volume (377.0 ± 18.24 vs. 393.5 ± 15.34 kg; p = 0.093). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that resistance training with 4-6 RPE and 7-9 RPE produce similar bench press strength improvements.

Effect of 12weeks of complex training on occupational activities, strength, and power in professional firefighters.

Objective: This study examined the effects of 12-week complex training (CT) programs on professional firefighters’ occupational activities, strength, and power. Methods: Thirty men professional firefighters were randomly assigned to the CT group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The CT group performed complex training and the control group completed resistance training (RT) twice a week over 12 weeks. The occupational activities, strength, and power were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention by measuring the performance of 100 m load-bearing run (100 m LR), 60 m shoulder ladder run (60 m SLR), 5 m × 20 m shuttle run (5 m × 20 m SR), 4th-floor climbing rope (4th-floor CR), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJas), seated medicine-ball throw (SMT), one-repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP), and one-repetition maximum back squat (1RM BS). Results: The results showed that compared to RT, CT induced significantly greater improvements in 60 m SLR (p = 0.007), 4th-floor CR (p = 0.020), CMJas (p = 0.001), and SMT (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that CT is a novel intervention with great promise of improving professional firefighters’ occupational activities, strength, and power.

The Effects of Vision-Deprived Progressive Resistance Training on One-Repetition Maximum Bench Press Performance: An Exploratory Study.

The objective of this study was to determine whether vision-occluded progressive resistance training would increase upper-extremity movement performance using the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press. Participants (n = 57) were recruited from a historically black college and university (HBCU), cross-matched by sex, age (±1 year), 1-RM (±2.27 kg), 1-RM/weight (±0.1), and 1-RM/lean mass ratio (±0.1), and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (vision occluded) or the control group. Participants performed resistance training for 6 weeks prior to beginning the study, and 1-RM was assessed the week prior to the beginning of the study. Weight and body composition were measured using a BOD POD. Of the 57 participants who started the study, 34 completed the study (Experimental = 16, Control = 18) and were reassessed the week after completing the 6-week-long training protocol. Using a combination of Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, we found that when accounting for changes in lean muscle mass, individuals who trained with their vision occluded reported significantly greater improvements in 1-RM strength compared to those who did not (p < 0.05). The findings from our study suggest that vision-occluded progressive resistance training increases upper-extremity performance when assessed using the bench press. These findings may have significant practical implications in both sports and rehabilitation, as these techniques may be used to enhance performance in athletes and/or improve rehabilitation effectiveness.

Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes must achieve high strength levels to face the physical demands of an MMA fight. This study compared MMA athletes’ maximal isometric and dynamic strength according to the competitive level and weight class. Twenty-one male MMA athletes were divided into lightweight professional (LWP; n = 9), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 4), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 4). The handgrip and isometric lumbar strength tests assessed the isometric strength, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 4RM leg press the dynamic strength. Univariate ANOVA showed differences between groups in absolute and relative 1RM bench press and absolute isometric lumbar strength. Post hoc tests showed differences in 1RM bench press between HWE and LWE (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 81.0 ± 10.0 kg) and HWE and LWP athletes (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 76.7 ± 13.7 kg; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1). In addition, there was a correlation between 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength for absolute (r = 0.67) and relative values (r = 0.50). This study showed that the 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength were associated and could differentiate MMA athletes according to their competitive level and weight class. Therefore, optimizing the force production in the upper body and lower back seems important in elite and professional MMA athletes.

Do baseline physical fitness measures predict law enforcement academy graduation?

Law enforcement officers experience high stress levels and perform various physical tasks. Thus, law enforcement academies emphasize physical fitness training and assessment. To examine fitness test-performances and determine which entry-level fitness components best predict likelihood of successful law enforcement academy graduation. Recruits (151 males, 42 females) completed initial academy fitness testing: one-repetition maximum bench press, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, sit-and-reach, 1.5-mile run, and work performance test. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine gender differences. Correlation coefficients assessed relationships, while logistical regression determined the best fitness components for predicting graduation (p < 0.05). Males had greater fitness performances except pull-ups, sit-ups and sit and reach (p < 0.05). Distributions of below average fitness performances were similar between genders with majority of recruits performing below average on all tests. Gender, age, push-ups, and pull-ups explained 18% of the variance in graduation rates (p < 0.05). Males were 4.68 (p < 0.05) times more likely to graduate, but other predictors were not significant. No single fitness test predicted the likelihood of graduation and majority of performances were below average, suggesting the importance for proficiency across multiple fitness components. Considering lower fitness performances and graduation rates, females may further benefit from training programs prior to academy entrance.

Reproducibility of strength performance and strength-endurance profiles: A test-retest study.

The present study was designed to evaluate the test-retest consistency of repetition maximum tests at standardized relative loads and determine the robustness of strength-endurance profiles across test-retest trials. Twenty-four resistance-trained males and females (age, 27.4 ± 4.0 y; body mass, 77.2 ± 12.6 kg; relative bench press one-repetition maximum [1-RM], 1.19 ± 0.23 kg•kg-1) were assessed for their 1-RM in the free-weight bench press. After 48 to 72 hours, they were tested for the maximum number of achievable repetitions at 90%, 80% and 70% of their 1-RM. A retest was completed for all assessments one week later. Gathered data were used to model the relationship between relative load and repetitions to failure with respect to individual trends using Bayesian multilevel modeling and applying four recently proposed model types. The maximum number of repetitions showed slightly better reliability at lower relative loads (ICC at 70% 1-RM = 0.86, 90% highest density interval: [0.71, 0.93]) compared to higher relative loads (ICC at 90% 1-RM = 0.65 [0.39, 0.83]), whereas the absolute agreement was slightly better at higher loads (SEM at 90% 1-RM = 0.7 repetitions [0.5, 0.9]; SEM at 70% 1-RM = 1.1 repetitions [0.8, 1.4]). The linear regression model and the 2-parameters exponential regression model revealed the most robust parameter estimates across test-retest trials. Results testify to good reproducibility of repetition maximum tests at standardized relative loads obtained over short periods of time. A complementary free-to-use web application was developed to help practitioners calculate strength-endurance profiles and build individual repetition maximum tables based on robust statistical models.

Accuracy of Predicting One-Repetition Maximum from Submaximal Velocity in The Barbell Back Squat and Bench Press.

This study examined the accuracy of predicting a free-weight back squat and a bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) using both 2- and 4-point submaximal average concentric velocity (ACV) methods. Seventeen resistance trained men performed a warm-up and a 1RM test on the squat and bench press with ACV assessed on all repetitions. The ACVs during the warm-up closest to 1.0 and 0.5m.s-1 were used in the 2-point linear regression forecast of the 1RM and the ACVs established at loads closest to 20, 50, 70, and 80% of the 1RM were used in the 4-point 1RM prediction. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bland-Altman and Mountain plots were used to analyze agreement between predicted and actual 1RMs. ANOVA indicated significant differences between the predicted and the actual 1RM for both the 2- and 4-point equations in both exercises (p<0.001). The 2-point squat prediction overestimated the 1RM by 29.12±0.07kg and the 4-point squat prediction overestimated the 1RM by 38.53±5.01kg. The bench press 1RM was overestimated by 9.32±4.68kg with the 2-point method and by 7.15±6.66kg using the 4-point method. Bland-Altman and Mountain plots confirmed the ANOVA findings as data were not tightly conformed to the respective zero difference lines and Bland-Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement. These data demonstrate that both 2- and 4-point velocity methods predicted the bench press 1RM more accurately than the squat 1RM. However, a lack of agreement between the predicted and the actual 1RM was observed for both exercises when volitional velocity was used.

Physical and performance characteristics related to starter status, position, and division in Japanese collegiate American-football players

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the variations in body composition and performance in Japanese collegiate American-football players. OBJECTIVE: To clarify what characterizes competitors at the highest levels – in the top division or on the starting lineup – we compared players’ body compositions and performance test results. METHODS: This study included 172 players. Each player’s body composition and performance (one-repetition maximum bench press, one-repetition maximum back squat, and vertical jump height) were measured; power was estimated from vertical jump height and body weight. Players were compared according to status (starter vs. non-starter), position (skill vs. linemen), and division (1 vs. 2). Regression analysis was performed to determine characteristics for being a starter. RESULTS: Players in higher divisions and who were starters were stronger and had more power, greater body size, and better performance test results. Players in skill positions were relatively stronger than those in linemen positions. Vertical jump height was a significant predictor of being a starter in Division 1. CONCLUSION: Power and vertical jump may be a deciding factor for playing as a starter or in a higher division.

Sex Differences in the Association Between Muscular Strength and Adiposity in Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT Although sex differences in body composition are well established, differences in the relationship between adiposity and muscular strength remain elusive. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine sex differences in the relationship between muscular strength and adiposity in adults. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), skinfold, and bench press were assessed on 140 males and females aged 18-40 years. Normalized strength (NS) was determined by dividing bench press one-repetition maximum by body mass. Using linear regression, positive associations between NS and BMI were found in males [p=0.003, parameter estimate (PE)=0.051] and females (p=0.010, PE=0.021); inverse associations between NS and body fat percentage were found in males (p&lt;0.001, PE=-0.035) and females (p=0.015, PE=-0.008); an inverse association between NS and WC was observed only amongst females (p=0.037, PE=-0.011); and no significant associations were found between NS and (WtHR) for either sex. Although the current study design does not permit determining causality, the findings suggest that resistance training may be more effective in reducing abdominal adiposity in females.

Acute effects of two caffeine doses on bar velocity during the bench press exercise among women habituated to caffeine: a randomized, crossover, double-blind study involving control and placebo conditions

PurposeThe main goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different doses of caffeine (3 and 6 mg/kg) to enhance bar velocity during the bench press in women habituated to caffeine.MethodsTwelve recreationally trained women (age: 23.3 ± 0.8 years, body mass: 60.7 ± 5.7 kg, bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM): 44.3 ± 7.8 kg, daily caffeine ingestion: 5.7 ± 2.0 mg/kg/day) participated in a randomized double-blind experimental design. Each participant performed four different experimental sessions: after no supplementation (control, CON), after ingesting 3 and 6 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF-3 and CAF-6, respectively), or after ingesting a placebo (PLAC). In each experimental session, the participants performed 3 sets of 3 repetitions of the bench press exercise at 50% 1RM.ResultsA two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with subsequent post hoc analyses indicated significant increases in peak velocity (p < 0.01; ES = 0.91) and mean velocity (p < 0.01; ES = 0.78) after the intake of CAF-6 compared to CON. The study did not show significant differences in bar velocity between CAF-6 and PLAC and between CAF-3 and PLAC. No significant differences in bar velocity were observed between CAF-3 and CAF-6 conditions.ConclusionThese results suggest that 6 mg/kg of caffeine can be an effective dose to improve power-specific training outcomes in women habituated to caffeine. However, the ergogenic effect of 6 mg/kg of caffeine may be derived from a combination of biological effects and expectancy, as this dose was only superior to the control condition with no differences over the placebo.

The Effect of Concurrent Resistance Training on Upper Body Strength, Sprint Swimming Performance and Kinematics in Competitive Adolescent Swimmers. A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to examine the effect of 9 weeks of concurrent resistance training (CRT) between resistance on dry land (bench press (BP) and medicine ball throw) and resistance in water (water parachute and hand paddles) on muscle strength, sprint swimming performance and kinematic variables compared by the usual training (standard in-water training). Twenty-two male competitive swimmers participated in this study and were randomly allocated to two groups. The CRT group (CRTG, age = 16.5 ± 0.30 years) performed a CRT program, and the control group (CG, age = 16.1 ± 0.32 years) completed their usual training. The independent variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. The findings showed that the one-repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) was improved only after a CRT program (d = 2.18; +12.11 ± 1.79%). Moreover, all sprint swimming performances were optimized in the CRT group (d = 1.3 to 2.61; −4.22 ± 0.18% to −7.13 ± 0.23%). In addition, the findings revealed an increase in velocity and stroke rate (d = 1.67, d = 2.24; 9.36 ± 2.55%, 13.51 ± 4.22%, respectively) after the CRT program. The CRT program improved the muscle strength, which, in turn, improved the stroke rate, with no change in the stroke length. Then, the improved stroke rate increased the swimming velocity. Ultimately, a faster velocity leads to better swim performances.

Bayesian Estimation of the Variation in Strength and Aerobic Physical Performances in Young Eumenorrheic Female College Students during a Menstrual Cycle.

Background: The purpose of the present investigation was to examine changes in strength and aerobic physical performances in young eumenorrheic female college students during the menstruation phase and different testing occasions within a menstrual cycle. Methods: A repeated measure experimental design used to investigate the variation in physical performance from different testing occasions compared to the menstruation phase. Twelve eumenorrhea female college students volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were 19.8 ± 0.8 (±SD) years old, with the body mass of 61.4 ± 11.6 kg, the height of 162.6 ± 5.1 cm, and BMI of 23.2 ± 3.8. All participants reported regular monthly menstrual cycles of 26–33 days, none of whom reported taking oral contraceptives in their entire life. None of the participants was an athlete, and their level of activity was limited to physical education classes and recreational activities. The menstrual cycles during the two cycles before testing had to be between 26 and 35 days to participate in this study. Second, there had to be no current or ongoing neuromuscular diseases or musculoskeletal injuries. Third, no one should be taking any dietary or performance-enhancing supplements that could have affected testing results during this study. The participants tested on one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, 1RM leg press, push-up to failure, leg press with 60% of 1RM to failure, and running 1600 m time trial. The participants were tested on four occasions based on the classical model of the menstrual cycle (i.e., 28 days; early follicular phase (menstruation phase) on day 2 (T1), late follicular phase on day 8 (T2), ovulation phase on day 14 (T3), and mid-luteal phase on day 21 (T4)). Data were analyzed using the Bayesian hierarchical model (Bayesian Estimation) with Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation using the decision-theoretic properties of the high-density interval (HDI) + ROPE decision rule. Results: The Bayesian estimated difference from the four testing occasions neither showed that the most credible parameter values (95% HDI) were sufficiently away from the null value nor showed that the most credible parameter values are close to the null value (Rope odds ratio among all tests were spread in 12.7% < 0 < 87.3% with an effect size ranging between d = −0.01 and 0.44). Hence, no decision can be made as to whether strength and aerobic physical performances change during the menstruation phase compared to the other testing occasions within a menstrual cycle. Conclusions: It was noticed that different studies concluded different results, which make the research in menstrual cycle difficult. However, the results from this study and published studies suggest that future research should investigate and profile motivation and autonomic nervous system activity during the menstruation phase and examine the interaction effect of the three on performance compared to other testing occasions within a menstrual cycle.