Bench Press Performance Research Articles

Quantifying the Training Loads and Corresponding Changes in Physical Qualities among Adolescent, Schoolboy Rugby League Players.

The adolescent development period is critical for rugby league athletes, given the physical growth, neuromuscular adaptation, and skill acquisition that occurs. Secondary schools play an important role in the development of adolescent rugby league players; however, players may be selected into rugby league academies and development programs outside of school, as well as participating in additional sports. In turn, the training loads these young athletes accrue and the implications of these loads are currently unknown. Our aim was to quantify the training loads and concomitant changes in physical qualities of schoolboy and adolescent rugby league players during mesocycles within the pre-season and in-season phases. This is a prospective experimental study. Twenty-one schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 ± 1.3 years) were monitored across separate 4-week mesocycles in the pre-season and in-season. Session frequency, duration, and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) load were reported for all examples of training and match participation in the school rugby league program, as well as club and representative teams for any sport and personal strength and conditioning. Various physical qualities were assessed before and after each 4-week mesocycle. The sRPE load that accumulated across the 4-week mesocycles was higher in the pre-season than the in-season (8260 ± 2021 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 6148 ± 980 AU, p < 0.001), with non-significant differences in accumulated session frequency and duration between phases. Session frequency, duration, and sRPE load differed (p < 0.05) between some weeks in an inconsistent manner during the pre-season and in-season mesocycles. Regarding physical qualities, improvements (p < 0.05) in the 10 m sprint test, Multistage Fitness Test, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum back squat and bench press performances were evident across the pre-season mesocycle, with declines (p < 0.05) in the 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and 1-repetition maximum back squat performances across the in-season mesocycle. Conclusions: These novel training load data show schoolboy rugby league players experience considerable demands that may be suitable in developing several physical qualities during the pre-season but detrimental to maintaining such qualities across the in-season.

No Effect of Interset Palm Cooling on Acute Bench Press Performance, Neuromuscular or Metabolic Responses, Following Moderate-Intensity Resistance Exercise.

McMahon, G. No effect of interset palm cooling on acute bench press performance, neuromuscular or metabolic responses, following moderate-intensity resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1213-1220, 2024-Despite the growing literature in high-intensity exercise regarding palm cooling, the acute effects of palm cooling on exercise performance indices, neuromuscular and metabolic responses, have not been described during moderate-intensity resistance exercise. Nine (age, 22 ± 1 year; mass, 80.8 ± 16.2 kg; height, 1.80 ± 0.11 m) healthy, male (n = 7) and female (n = 2) resistance-trained subjects performed 4 sets of bench press to failure at 60% 1 repetition maximum with 3-minute passive recovery. Subjects were randomly allocated to either the cooling (COL; 2 minutes of cooling at 10 °C) or the control (passive rest; CON) condition separated by 1 week between the conditions. Exercise performance (volume load, repetitions, barbell velocity), muscle activation, blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion were assessed. Despite changes across the variables during the resistance exercise sessions, there were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) in any of the performance, neuromuscular or physiological responses, between the 2 experimental conditions, despite palm temperature being significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in the cooling condition compared with control throughout. Therefore, based on the results of this study, palm cooling does not enhance acute moderate-intensity resistance exercise.

Circadian variation in muscle force output in males using isokinetic, isometric dynamometry: can we observe this in multi-joint movements using the muscleLab force-velocity encoder and are they similar in peak and magnitude?

ABSTRACT We have investigated the magnitude of circadian variation in Isokinetic and Isometric strength of the knee extensors and flexors, as well as back squat and bench press performance using the MuscleLab force velocity transducer. Ten resistance-trained males (mean±SD: age 21.5 ± 1.1 years; body mass 78.3 ± 5.2 kg; height 1.71 ± 0.07 m) underwent a) three to four familiarization sessions on each dynamometer and b) four sessions at different times of day (03:00, 09:00, 15:00 and 21:00 h). Each session was administered in a counterbalanced order and included a period when Perceived onset of mood states (POMS), then rectal and muscle temperature (Trec, Tm) was measured at rest, after which a 5-min standardized 150 W warm-up was performed on a cycle ergometer. Once completed, Isokinetic (60 and 240°·s−1 for extension and flexion) and Isometric dynamometry with peak torque (PT), time-to-peak-torque (tPT) and peak force (PF) and % activation was measured. Lastly, Trec and Tm were measured before the bench press (at 30, 50 and 70 kg) and back squat (at 40, 60 and 80 kg) exercises. A linear encoder was attached to an Olympic bar used for the exercises and average force (AF), peak velocity (PV) and time-to-peak-velocity (tPV) were measured (MuscleLab software; MuscleLab Technology, Langesund, Norway) during the concentric phase of the movements. Five-min recovery was allowed between each set with three repetitions being completed. General linear models with repeated measures and cosinor analysis were used to analyse the data. Values for Trec and Tm at rest were higher in the evening compared to morning values (Acrophase Φ: 16:35 and 17:03 h, Amplitude A: 0.30 and 0.23°C, Mesor M: 36.64 and 37.43°C, p < 0.05). Vigor, happy and fatigue mood states responses showed Φ 16:11 and 16:03 h and 02:05 h respectively. Circadian rhythms were apparent for all variables irrespective of equipment used where AF, PF and PT values peaked between 16:18 and 18:34 h; PV, tPV and tPT peaked between 05:54 and 08:03 h (p < 0.05). In summary, circadian rhythms in force output (force, torque, power, and velocity) were shown for isokinetic, isometric dynamometers and complex multi-joint movements (using a linear encoder); where tPV and tPT occur in the morning compared to the evening. Circadian rhythms in strength can be detected using a portable, low-cost instrument that shows similar cosinor characteristics as established dynamometers. Hence, muscle-strength can be measured in a manner that is more directly transferable to the world of athletic and sports performance.

The impact of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation on isometric bench press performance in trained athletes

Athletic development centers on optimizing performance, including technical skills and fundamental motor abilities such as strength and speed. Parameters such as maximum contraction force and rate of force development, influence athletic success, although performance gains become harder to achieve as athletic abilities increase. Non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation of the cerebellum (CB-tDCS) has been used successfully to increase force production in novices, although the potential effects in athletes remain unexplored. The present study examined the effects of CB-tDCS on maximum isometric voluntary contraction force (MVCiso) and isometric rate of force development (RFDiso) during a bench press task in well-trained athletes. 21 healthy, male, strength-trained athletes participated in a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded crossover design. Each participant completed the isometric bench press (iBP) task on two separate days, with at least 5 days between sessions, while receiving either CB-tDCS or sham stimulation. Electromyography (EMG) recordings of three muscles involved in iBP were acquired bilaterally to uncover differences in neuromuscular activation and agonist-antagonist co-contraction between conditions. Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant differences in MVCiso and RFDiso were observed between CB-tDCS and sham conditions. Furthermore, no tDCS-induced differences in neuromuscular activation or agonist-antagonist co-contraction were revealed. Here, we argue that the effects of CB-tDCS on force production appear to depend on the individual's training status. Future research should study individual differences in tDCS responses between athletes and novices, as well as the potential of high-definition tDCS for precise brain region targeting to potentially enhance motor performance in athletic populations.

The impact of general and/or specific warm-up on power and velocity during squat and bench-press training

The study aimed to compare the effects of two warm-up strategies on mechanical force production during bench press and squat resistance training sessions. Twenty-six trained male subjects (24.37±5.83years, 75.48±12.12kg, 1.74±0.07m) performed a squat or bench press resistance training session after a specific warm-up (SWU) or general warm-up followed by a specific warm-up (GSWU). The SWU included 2x6 repetitions at 32% and 64% of the maximal load (1RM), respectively. The GSWU included 10 minutes of treadmill running (70% of heart rate reserve) followed by SWU. The resistance training session consisted of 3x6 with a load of 80% 1RM. Mechanical (mean propulsive velocity, mean propulsive power and velocity loss), physiological [heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration], and psychophysiological variables (rating of perceived exertion) were evaluated. In the bench press and squat resistance training sessions, no differences were found in the mechanical and psychophysiological variables. When performing the bench press, the GSWU caused an increased HR response after warm-up (100.00±16.93bpm vs. 110.57±9.69bpm, p=0.03; ES=0.65, moderate effect). GSWU or SWU can both be used as preparatory activities for bench press and squat resistance training performance without related restrictions. These findings may be helpful for professionals to provide appropriate warm-up strategies to maximize resistance training. Keywords: Pre-exercise, Strength, T-Force, Velocity, Physiology, Resistance Training

Cluster Method: Effects on Performance in Handball

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of six week traditional and cluster training method applied in female handball players on speed, strength and throwing power. 32 handball players participated in this study. 16 athletes were assigned in the Cluster Training Group (CTG), 16 athletes in the Traditional Training Group (TTG). The training continued for six weeks, three days a week, during the preparation period of the annual training program. Both groups practiced leg extension/flexion, pulldown, butterfly, bench press, deep squat. The CTG performed 80% of repetition maximum (1RM), 4 repetitions with a 20-second rest, total of 12 repetitions and 2 sets. The TTG, on the other hand, performed 80% of 1RM, 12 repetitions, 2-3-minute rest between sets, and again 2 sets. At the beginning and end of the training, 10 and 20 m speed, hand grip strength, standing long jump, vertical jump, throwing speed, squat and bench press performance measurements were recorded. A statistically significant difference was found in the performance values within the group (p&amp;lt;0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between groups in the vertical jump and standing long jump (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of the other performances (p&amp;gt;0.05). As a result, it was seen that the cluster method was effective on the development of the jump force. Considering the difference between cluster and traditional training methods, we can say that the cluster method provides more advantages than the traditional method in branches that require explosive strength.

Effects of Preferred versus Nonpreferred Music on Bench Press Performance

Replication is a fundamental aspect of scientific research, yet few replications have been conducted within strength and conditioning. In this paper we attempt to replicate and extend previous research on the effects of preferred (PREF) vs. nonpreferred (NON-PREF) music on bench press performance and motivation using a close replication of a study by Ballmann et al. (2021). The replication sample included 28 resistance-trained men (Mage = 20.5 years, SD = 1.5), while the extension sample (n = 47) comprised resistance-trained men and women (Mage = 20.6 years, SD = 1.5). Participants listened to PREF and NON-PREF music in a repeated-measures counterbalanced design, while completing bench press repetitions to failure (RTF). Concerning the replication attempt, we found no difference between music conditions for RTF (p = 0.545, Cohen’s dz = 0.12), and the replication and original effect sizes were incompatible (z = -1.88, p = 0.036). For motivation there was no difference between music conditions (p = 0.084, dz = 0.34) and the effect size estimate was incompatible with the original (z = -4.44, p &lt; 0.001). Thus, the original study findings were not replicated. In the extension study, a two-way ANOVA showed no interaction or main effects of sex and music genre on RTF (p &gt; 0.05). There were, however, main effects of sex (p = 0.015) and genre (p = 0.025) on motivation. In addition, attentional focus was different (more dissociative) for PREF vs. NON-PREF music (z = -3.11, p = 0.002), but perceived exertion did not differ between music conditions (p = 1.00, dz = 0.00). Results indicate that music preference does not have a robust effect on bench press performance and associated psychological factors. Athletes, exercisers, and practitioners are encouraged to utilize music that complements the task rather than considering genre preference.

The impact of EEG biofeedback training on the athletes' motivation and bench press performance.

The objective of this paper was to determine the impact of EEG-biofeedback training on the motivation and efficiency of powerlifters during the bench press exercise in relation to the external load and the level of training. The study included 18 trained powerlifters who were divided into the intermediate (IG) and the advanced (AG) groups. EEG-biofeedback training was conducted every three days, lasting 27 minutes each time (5 × 3-minute intervals with recovery periods - lying on a bench - between them 4 × 3 minutes), and ended with a final EEG measurement in the second cycle of research. The repeated measures ANOVA showed intra-group differences due to external loading for the FAI (Frontal Alpha Asymmetry) obtained in the EEG both before and after biofeedback training. In AG group analysis revealed significant differences between 65%1RM and 35%1RM. In the IG group between 35%1RM and 50, 65 and 80%1RM. One of the major variables influencing the efficiency of strength training, including bench press workouts, is the level of training. The more successfully an athlete uses motivation when exercising, the better their training, which translates into greater results and a lower chance of injury.

The Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Resistance and Jumping Exercise: The Interaction with CYP1A2 and ADORA2A Genotypes

Purpose: To evaluate the association of CYP1A2 and ADORA2A gene polymorphisms, paraxanthine concentrations, and habitual caffeine (CAF) intake with respect to muscular performance after acute CAF supplementation. Methods: A total of 27 resistance-trained males participating in the study ingested either 5 mg/kg of CAF or PL 45 min before a battery of exercise tests in a cross-over design. DNA was tested for the rs5751876 and rs762551 polymorphisms. Results: CAF improved performance in jumping average power, average velocity, max velocity, bench press in the first set, and peak power in the second set. For the CYP1A2 genotype, C allele carriers improved in jumping average velocity (CAF: 1.77 ± 0.14 m/s, PL: 1.71 ± 0.16 m/s, p &lt; 0.001), and AA homozygotes improved set 1 bench press (CAF: 9.7 ± 1.7 reps, PL: 8.9 ± 1.8 reps, p = 0.046). For the ADORA2A genotype, CC (CAF: 1.70 ± 0.20 m/s, PL: 1.67 ± 0.19 m/s, p = 0.005) and CT (CAF: 1.79 ± 0.09 m/s, PL: 1.74 ± 0.11 m/s, p &lt; 0.001) improved in jumping average velocity and CT also improved in bench press set 2 peak power (CAF: 363 ± 76 W, PL: 323 ± 59 W, p = 0.021). For CAF habituation, CAF improved jumping average power (p = 0.007) and jumping average velocity (p &lt; 0.001) in high users but not in low users (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: CAF may improve jumping and bench press performance, irrespective of genotypes, but the associations with the genotypes in CYP1A2 and ADORA2A genes, as well as habitual CAF intake, are not clear and require further investigation.

A comparison of absolute, ratio standard and allometric approaches for bench press performance assessment in men over 60

Body mass is known to affect muscle strength and the outcome of some functional tests, so that heavier and taller people will be stronger than lighter and smaller ones. Ratio standard (RS) has been widely used to remove the body mass effect, despite long date criticism due to its inadequacy. Allometry (ALLO), in turn, has been applied as an efficient method for normalizing muscular strength. As the bench press (BP) is a well-recognized strength and conditioning exercise for older adults, the aim of the present study was to verify the influence of body mass on the performance assessment of a group of older men in the BP, by comparing the absolute, RS and ALLO approaches. Sixteen healthy old men (65.5±5.13 years old; 75.42±9.78Kg; 1.73±5.98m; 25.11±2.71 kg/m2; 24.76±4.10 %fat) volunteered to participate in the study. Maximum dynamic load was verified by individual one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Comparisons of means revealed that significant 1-RM difference between lighter (54.9±8.85Kg) and heavier (66.2±8.86Kg) participants was identified only in absolute approach (p&lt;0.05; ES=0.57). RS failed in completely remove the body mass effect, allowing correlation between normalized muscular strength and BM (r=0.23), in contraire of ALLO (r=0.03 and 0.06). Kendall's concordance coefficient revealed an absolute lack of agreement between approaches when compared their respective ordinal classifications (kw=0.003; p&gt;0.05). In line with previous research, ALLO has shown to be the only suitable method to remove adequately the body mass effect and to provide appropriated performance scores for the older men evaluated in this study.

Post-Activation Performance Enhancement as a Strategy to Improve Bench Press Performance to Volitional Failure.

Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) has been commonly used as a strategy to improve acute force production, although its effects on performance to volitional failure are still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of a PAPE protocol on bench press performance in a training set to volitional failure in trained individuals. Fourteen participants with at least two years of resistance training experience (age 24.57 ± 2.7 years; body mass 77.47 ± 12.2 kg; body height 174.21 ± 7.4 cm; medium grip bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM): 101.6 ± 25.8 kg), of which 14 completed the control protocol and 12 completed the experimental protocol, took part in the study. After a standardised warm-up, participants completed three sessions: 1) a 1RM test for the medium grip bench press, 2) a control condition consisting of a set of the bench press to volitional failure with 80% 1RM (CON), and 3) an experimental condition consisting of a set of the bench press to volitional failure with 80% 1RM after a PAPE protocol (PAPE). The PAPE protocol consisted of a heavy set of one repetition with their 93% 1RM as the conditioning activity. Under the PAPE condition, participants performed significantly more repetitions than under the CON condition (p = 0.008, ES = 0.5, small effect), their last repetition was slower (p = 0.02, ES = 0.52, small effect) and presented a higher velocity loss (p = 0.004, ES = 0.75, moderate effect). These results suggest that a traditional PAPE protocol improves the number of repetitions performed to volitional failure.

Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Back Squat and Bench Press Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on resistance exercise performance according to the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases up to April 2023. Inclusion criteria were adult resistance-trained males who supplemented with a nitrate-rich supplement and nitrate-deficient placebo to assess repetitions-to-failure (RTF), peak power, mean power, peak velocity, and/or mean velocity during back squat and bench press exercise. A random effects model was performed on six studies and showed that nitrate supplementation improved RTF (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.43, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]: 0.156 to 0.699, p = 0.002), mean power (SMD: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.127 to 0.678, p = 0.004), and mean velocity (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.07 to 1.061, p = 0.025) but had no effect on peak power (SMD: 0.204, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.411, p = 0.054) or peak velocity (SMD: 0.00, 95% CI: -0.173 to 0.173, p = 1.000) when back squat and bench press were combined. Subgroup analyses revealed that back squats were more likely to be enhanced and that a dosing regimen may influence the efficacy of nitrate supplementation. Overall, nitrate supplementation had a small beneficial effect on some aspects of resistance exercise performance, but there were limited studies available and the variability was large. Additional studies that focus on upper and lower body resistance exercise and nitrate dosage are required to elucidate the efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation on resistance exercise performance.

A Cross-Sectional Examination of Wrist Wrap Use Prevalence and Characterization for Ergogenic Purposes in Actively Competing Powerlifters

Purpose: Wrist wraps are regularly incorporated by competitive powerlifters, but several product-specific variations may influence any potential ergogenic benefits. In addition, the prevalence of athletic wrist wrap use is hitherto undescribed. Methods: Seventy actively competing powerlifters (n=70; 27±6y) who competed in the last two years were randomly recruited at sanctioned meets, whereby wrist wrap use descriptive data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used), wrap tightness (assessed via pulse oximeter-detected oxygen saturation (SpO2) and subjective discomfort [Borg CR10+]), as well as post-meet bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) were collected. Wrist wrap use prevalence data (wrap style, wrap length, and events used) were compared across TX, NC/SC, and CA regions, along with any potential correlations between both region-collapsed wrapped SpO2 and bench press. Finally, predictors of bench press 1RM (weight [kg], age [y], stiff wrap, wrap length, wrapped discomfort [WCR10+], and WSpO2) were assessed using linear regression, whereby all aforementioned statistical analyses were set at a significance level of p&lt;.05. Results: Analyses failed to detect any significant regional differences in wrap style, length, or events used (p&gt;0.05). Moreover, linear regression analysis revealed a significant effect (r2= 0.851, p = 0.02) where weight solely predicted bench press 1RM (p = 0.0433). Conclusions: Although we failed to detect any significant wrist wrap relationships, actively competing powerlifters nonetheless prominently utilize wraps across the regions assessed. Therefore, the potential for wrist wraps to augment bench press performance warrants further elucidation in a controlled, standardized investigation.

How Does Instability Affect Bench Press Performance? Acute Effect Analysis with Different Loads in Trained and Untrained Populations.

(I) The execution of different sports involves a significant number of throws, jumps, or direction changes, so the body must be as stable as possible while performing a specific action. However, there is no classification of unstable devices and their influence on performance variables. Furthermore, the effect on athletes' experience using instability is unknown. (II) The aim of this study was to analyze the power and speed parameters in bench press with different loads and unstable executions: (1) stable (SB), (2) with asymmetric load (AB), (3) with unstable load (UB), (4) on fitball (FB) and (5) on a Bosu® (BB). A total of 30 male participants (15 trained and 15 untrained) were evaluated for mean propulsive speed (MPS), maximum speed (MS), and power (PW) with different types of external load: a low load (40% of 1RM), medium load (60% of 1RM), and high load (80% of 1RM) in each condition. Variables were measured with an inertial dynamometer. (III) The best data were evidenced with SB, followed by AB (3-12%), UB (4-11%), FB (7-19%), and BB (14-23%). There were no differences between groups and loads (p > 0.05) except in the case of MS with 60% 1RM, where trained participants obtained 4% better data (p < 0.05). (IV) Executions with implements and equipment such as fitball and Bosu® do not seem to be the most recommended when the objective is to improve power or execution speed. However, situations where the load is unstable (AB and UB) seem to be a good alternative to improve stabilization work without high performance. Furthermore, experience does not seem to be a determining factor.

Comparison of two 8-week training interventions on the athletic performance of padel players

Padel is an intermittent racket sport played in pairs (2 vs. 2) on a small-sized grass court (20 x 10 m), involving high physical fitness demands for the players. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effect of two 8-week in-season training programs on the athletic performance of male padel players. Participants (age, 22.1±0.8; body height, 182.0±1.0; body mass, 74.7±0.7) were randomly assigned to the integrated training group (IG, n=12) and non-integrated training group (NIG, n=12). The IG trained inside the padel court, integrating neuromuscular exercises with sport-specific (i.e., use of the racket) technical actions. The NIG trained outside the padel court, performing the same neuromuscular exercises and sport-specific technical actions as the IG, although not simultaneously. Before and after the intervention, athletes were assessed for their hand-grip strength, two legged and one-legged Abalakov jump, bench press performance, padel stroke velocity, cardiorespiratory endurance (30-15IFT), 5-m and 10-m linear sprint time and change of direction ability at 90º and 180º using left and right leg. Both groups improved their scores on Abalakov jump tests, bench press performance, stroke velocity, cardiorespiratory endurance (30-15IFT), and change of direction ability at 90º and 180º (all changes p&amp;lt;.05; effect size = 0.22-2.58). The IG improved stroke velocity compared to NIG (p&amp;lt;.05), and only the IG showed pre-post improvements (p&amp;lt;.05; effect size = 0.30-0.76) in change of direction ability at 90º and 180º involving the non-dominant leg (i.e., turn to the right). An 8-week in-season integrated training approach and a non-integrated training approach may induce similar improvements in athletic performance among highly trained male padel players. However, the neuromuscular training program involving an integration of padel-specific and non-specific training exercises may induce greater improvements in padel-specific performance (i.e., stroke velocity) and change of direction speed ability, particularly in movements involving the non-dominant leg.

Prediction of bench press performance in powerlifting: The role of upper limb anthropometry

Prediction of bench press performance in powerlifting: The role of upper limb anthropometry

Effectiveness of either short-duration ischemic pre-conditioning, single-set high-resistance exercise, or their combination in potentiating bench press exercise performance.

This study compared the effects of short-duration ischemic preconditioning, a single-set high-resistance exercise and their combination on subsequent bench press performance. Twelve men (age: 25.8 ± 6.0years, bench press 1-RM: 1.21 ± 0.17kgkg-1 body mass) performed four 12s sets as fast as possible, with 2min of recovery between sets, against 60% 1-RM, after: a) 5min ischemic preconditioning (IPC; at 100% of full arterial occlusion pressure), b) one set of three bench press repetitions at 90% 1-RM (PAPE), c) their combination (PAPE + IPC) or d) control (CTRL). Mean barbell velocity in ischemic preconditioning was higher than CTRL (by 6.6-9.0%, p < 0.05) from set 1 to set 3, and higher than PAPE in set 1 (by 4.4%, p < 0.05). Mean barbell velocity in PAPE was higher than CTRL from set 2 to set 4 (by 6.7-8.9%, p < 0.05), while mean barbell velocity in PAPE + IPC was higher than CTRL only in set 1 (+5.8 ± 10.0%). Peak barbell velocity in ischemic preconditioning and PAPE was higher than CTRL (by 7.8% and 8.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Total number of repetitions was similarly increased in all experimental conditions compared with CTRL (by 7.0-7.9%, p < 0.05). Rating of perceived exertion was lower in ischemic preconditioning compared with CTRL (p < 0.001) and PAPE (p = 0.045), respectively. These results highlight the effectiveness of short-duration ischemic preconditioning in increasing bench press performance, and suggest that it may be readily used by strength and conditioning coaches during resistance training due to its brevity and lower perceived exertion.

The Effects of the "Sling Shot" Device on Bench Press Performance, Mechanical Properties of Muscle, and Movement Kinematics.

Wojdała, G and Krzysztofik, M. The effects of the "sling shot" device on bench press performance, mechanical properties of muscle, and movement kinematics. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 780-786, 2023-This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the sling shot support device at various external loads and intensities of effort, taking into account acute changes in power performance, mechanical muscle properties, and bench press kinematics. For this purpose, 12 resistance-trained men (age: 27.1 ± 4.2 years, body mass: 90.3 ± 16.9 kg, bench press [BP] 1 repetition maximum [1RM]: 112.7 ± 23.1 kg) (resistance training experience: 6.9 ± 3.8 years) participated in the study. Each subject completed 2 experimental sessions that differed in the use of the sling shot (SS) or nonuse (CONT) of the SS and an appropriate external load. The 2 experimental sessions consisted of the 1RM test, 3 sets of 2 repetitions of BP with the load increased in each set (50-70-90% 1RM), and a fourth set of the BP efforts to muscle failure with a 70% 1RM load. Before and after each set, the changes in triceps brachii oscillation frequency and stiffness were assessed by means of myotonometry. Results indicated a significant main effect of the SS to increase peak power ( p < 0.0001, η 2 = 0.733). Furthermore, a significantly higher 1RM (129 ± 26 vs. 113 ± 23 kg, p < 0.001, effect size [ES]: 0.63), number of repetitions (15 ± 3 vs. 13 ± 2, p = 0.013, ES: 0.76), and time under tension (34 ± 10 vs. 29 ± 6 seconds, p = 0.017, ES: 0.59) were found during the set to failure for SS in comparison to the CONT condition. Moreover, there was a significant main effect of time to increase oscillation frequency ( p = 0.001; η 2 = 0.666) and stiffness ( p = 0.002; η 2 = 0.613) from pre- to postset measure. In addition, the main effect of the side ( p = 0.034; η 2 = 0.348) was reported to show higher stiffness on the dominant than on the nondominant side in the CONT condition. The results suggest that an independent 1RM measurement and a correspondingly higher workload are required to take full advantage of the SS device. Moreover, the SS can also be used successfully to increase training volume and the involvement of nondominant limbs during a bench press.

Effects Of Cannabidiol On Performance And Recovery After Strength Training Vary According To Performance Level

PURPOSE: The consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) to support recovery has become popular among athletes. Potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of CBD are supposed to result in pro-regenerative effects after strength training. Therefore three studies were conducted to investigate the effects of CBD treatment on performance and muscle recovery after resistance training. METHODS: Three independent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted in cross-over designs. The effect of a single CBD (60 mg) application was investigated in 1. advanced (n = 16) and 2. highly advanced resistance-trained athletes (n = 8) after intensive strength training on back squat (BS) and muscle damage proxies (MDP). Furthermore, 3. a repeated application (60 mg each day for one week) during an intensive training week was examined in advanced (n = 10) and highly advanced (n = 8) resistance-trained athletes. In addition to BS and MDP, bench press performance, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects were investigated. RESULTS: In highly advanced athletes a single CBD application reduced creatine kinase concentrations (CK) 24 h after the training bout (CBD: +87.9 ± 100.9 U/L; PL: +290.0 ± 309.4 U/L). This was not confirmed for less advanced athletes. A small but significant effect of CBD was observed on CK (p < 0.05; ES = 0.24) and myoglobin (MYO)(p < 0.05; ES = 0.21) concentrations after 72 h (CK: CBD: +50.7 ± 44.7 U/L; PL: 3069.7 ± 2106.6 U/L); MYO: CBD:6.3 ± 8.3 ng/ml; PL: 6.8 ± 15.8 ng/ml). These results are in line with previous interventions, which detected a small effect on muscle soreness via visual analog scale. Only advanced athletes showed small effect of CBD on squat performance after 72 h (CBD: +1,3 ± 0.9 kg; PL: -2.0 ± 1.6 kg; p < 0.05; ES = 0.37). For the third intervention, analysis is currently performed. Initial trends indicate differential effects on MDP and performance depending on the level of performance. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate small but significant effects of a single CBD application after strength training on MDP. Interestingly the effects varied depending on the performance level. First trends suggest similar effects after short-term repeated treatment. On performance, the results are currently inconsistent. Therefore, further human studies are needed.

Acute Effects of High-Intensity Interval Running on Lower-Body and Upper-Body Explosive Strength and Throwing Velocity in Handball Players.

Seipp, D, Feuerbacher, JF, Jacobs, MW, Dragutinovic, B, and Schumann, M. Acute effects of high-intensity interval running on lower-body and upper-body explosive strength and throwing velocity in handball players. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3167-3172, 2022-The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of handball-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on explosive strength and throwing velocity, after varying periods of recovery. Fourteen highly trained male handball players (age: 25.4 (26.2 ± 4.2) performed HIIT consisting of repeated 15-second shuttle runs at 90% of final running speed (V IFT ) to exhaustion . Upper-body and lower-body explosive strength and throwing velocities were measured before and immediately after HIIT, as well as after 6 hours. These tests included 3 repetitions of both bench press and squat exercise at 60% of the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as well as 3 repetitions of the set shot without run up and jump shot, respectively. Explosive squat performance was significantly reduced at post (-5.48%, p = 0.026) but not at 6 h (-0.24%, p = 1.000). Explosive bench press performance remained statistically unaltered at post (0.32%, p = 1.000) and at 6 hour (1.96%, p = 1.000). This was also observed in the subsequent throws both immediately after (-0.60%, p = 1.000) (-0.31%, p = 1.000) and at 6 h (-1.58%, p = 1.000) (1.51%, p = 0.647). Our data show a reduction in explosive strength of the lower but not upper extremities when preceded by running HIIT. Since throwing velocity was not affected by intense lower-body exercise, combining lower-body HIIT and throwing practice may be of no concern in highly trained handball players.