Bench Press Repetitions Research Articles

Low- and High-Volume Water-Based Resistance Training Induces Similar Strength and Functional Capacity Improvements in Older Women: A Randomized Study.

Water-based resistance training (WRT) has been indicated to promote strength gains in elderly population. However, no study has compared different training strategies to identify the most efficient one. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 WRT strategies on the strength and functional capacity of older women. In total, 36 women were randomly allocated to training groups: simple set of 30 seconds [1 × 30s; 66.41 (1.36) y; n = 12], multiple sets of 10 seconds [3 × 10s; 66.50 (1.43) y; n = 11], and simple set of 10 seconds [1 × 10s; 65.23 (1.09) y; n = 13]. Training lasted for 12 weeks. The maximal dynamic strength (in kilograms) and muscular endurance (number of repetitions) of knee extension, knee flexion, elbow flexion, and bench press, as well as functional capacity (number of repetitions), were evaluated. All types of training promoted similar gains in maximal dynamic strength of knee extension and flexion as well as elbow flexion. Only the 1 × 30s and 1 × 10s groups presented increments in bench press maximal strength. All 3 groups showed increases in muscular endurance in all exercises and functional capacity. WRT using long- or short-duration simple sets promotes the same gains in strength and functional capacity in older women as does WRT using multiple sets.

Effect of Bench Press Load Knowledge on Repetitions, Rating of Perceived Exertion, and Attentional Focus.

Beaudoin, CM, Cox, Z, Dundore, T, Thomas, T, Kim, J, and Pillivant, D. Effect of bench press load knowledge on repetitions, rating of perceived exertion, and attentional focus. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 514-519, 2018-Few studies have examined the role of the teleoanticipation during resistance training. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of bench press (BP) load knowledge on repetitions completed, ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), and attentional focus (% associative). Thirty-six recreationally active resistance-trained men (n = 25) and women (n = 11) participated in this study (age = 20.97 ± 1.87 years; ht = 174.12 ± 9.41 cm; and mass = 80.14 ± 14.03 kg). All subjects completed 3 testing sessions: (a) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) BP determination; (b) submaximal BP repetitions to fatigue known load (KL); and (c) submaximal BP repetitions to fatigue unknown load (UL). Known load and UL sessions were randomized and counterbalanced and both completed at 70% 1RM. An estimated weight ratio was computed using the subject's estimate of the UL weight relative to the KL weight. An independent samples t-test revealed no significant testing order difference for the estimated weight ratio. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variances revealed no significant differences in the number of repetitions (p = 0.63), RPE (p = 0.18), or attentional focus (% associative) (p = 0.93) between the KL and UL conditions. Pearson correlations found a moderate positive association between KL repetitions completed and % associative focus when the UL was completed before the KL. Load knowledge did not influence the number of repetitions, RPE, or attentional focus while completing the BP. Further research examining the use of pacing strategies, RPE, and attentional focus during KL and UL conditions are warranted.

The acute effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement on resting energy expenditure and exercise performance in recreationally active females

BackgroundThe use of dietary supplements to improve performance is becoming increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous lack of research being done regarding female athletes and the use of sport supplements. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) ingestion on resting metabolism and exercise performance in recreationally-active females.MethodsFifteen recreationally-active females participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Subjects completed baseline, and two experimental testing sessions in a cross-over design fashion. Experimental testing included assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE), heart rate, and blood pressure following the ingestion of a MIPS or placebo. Subjects also completed a repetition to failure test for the back squat (BS) and bench press (BP) at 85% of their 5-repetition maximum followed by the assessment of anaerobic power using a counter-movement vertical jump test and a sprint test on a force-treadmill. Subjective measurements of energy, focus, and fatigue were also assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Separate repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to assess differences in REE, cardiovascular responses, and subjective markers between conditions. Performance data were analyzed using paired Student’s T-tests.ResultsA significant main effect for condition was observed for REE (p = 0.021) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.011) following ingestion of the MIPS. The supplement condition resulted in a greater number of BP repetitions to failure and total work completed during treadmill test (p = 0.039) compared to placebo (p = 0.037). A significant condition x time interaction for focus was observed with the supplement treatment exhibiting improved focus at 80-min post ingestion (p = 0.046).ConclusionsConsumption of a MIPS increased resting metabolism following a single dose accompanied by an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, acute MIPS ingestion improved upper body muscular endurance and anaerobic capacity while improving feelings of focus following high-intensity exercise in recreationally active females.

Reliability of the Load-Velocity Relationship Obtained Through Linear and Polynomial Regression Models to Predict the 1-Repetition Maximum Load.

This study aimed to compare the between-session reliability of the load-velocity relationship between (1)linear versus polynomial regression models, (2)concentric-only versus eccentric-concentric bench press variants, as well as (3)the within-participants versus the between-participants variability of the velocity attained at each percentage of the 1-repetition maximum. The load-velocity relationship of 30 men (age: 21.2 [3.8] y; height: 1.78 [0.07] m, body mass: 72.3 [7.3] kg; bench press 1-repetition maximum: 78.8 [13.2] kg) were evaluated by means of linear and polynomial regression models in the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press variants in a Smith machine. Two sessions were performed with each bench press variant. The main findings were: (1)first-order polynomials (coefficient of variation: 4.39%-4.70%) provided the load-velocity relationship with higher reliability than the second-order polynomials (coefficient of variation: 4.68%-5.04%); (2)the reliability of the load-velocity relationship did not differ between the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press variants; and (3)the within-participants variability of the velocity attained at each percentage of the 1-repetition maximum was markedly lower than the between-participants variability. Taken together, these results highlight that, regardless of the bench press variant considered, the individual determination of the load-velocity relationship by a linear regression model could be recommended to monitor and prescribe the relative load in the Smith machine bench press exercise.

Abstracts

PURPOSE: To assess the validity and whole system reliability of the GymAware power tool across a range of traditional strength training exercises. METHODS: Thirteen resistance trained individuals (mean ± SD, age: 26.5 ± 4.8 years, stature: 174.1 ± 9.5 cm, body mass: 81.9 ± 12.1 kg) were recruited. Subjects completed three repeated visits, each consisting of three repetitions of free-weight back squat, bench press, and deadlift (all at 80% one repetition maximum). Lift displacement data were collected using a linear positional transducer (GymAware; Kinetic Performance Technology, Canberra, Australia) and a five-camera 3D motion capture system (Motion Analysis Corporation, Santa Rosa, CA; 150 Hz). Simultaneous force data were collected (Kistler, Switzerland; 1500 Hz) for all lifts excluding bench press. Lift displacement, peak and mean velocity and force were calculated via the GymAware software and custom written MATLAB code (Mathworks, Natick, MA). Least products regression was calculated between measuring devices for quantification of validity across variables and expressed as an R2 value. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA, typical error (TE %) and smallest worthwhile change (SWC) were used to assess the between visit data across all variables. RESULTS: For back squat, comparisons between measuring devices across all variables resulted in an R2 0.99. Similarly, deadlift comparisons across all variables between measuring devices resulted in an R2 0.92, excluding mean velocity (R2 0.69). Correlations between measuring devices across all variables for bench press resulted in R2 0.85. No significant differences were reported for any variables for the back squat. In contrast, significant differences were observed for bench press visits 2-1 and 3-2 (mean ± SD: visit 1: 0.382 ± 0.063 m; visit 2: 0.383 ± 0.053 m; visit 3: 0.395 ± 0.055 m), with no significant differences recorded between other variables. Significant differences were observed between visits 3-2 for deadlift displacement (mean ± SD: visit 2: 0.568 ± 0.034 m; visit 3: 0.557 ± 0.034 m), with no significant differences found between other variables. Mean TE % ranged from low to moderate between back squat (0.6-8.1%), bench press (3.0-7.4%), and deadlift (1.6-8.8%) visits, with SWC ranging from 1.7-7.4%. CONCLUSION: The GymAware provides valid measures of displacement and subsequent derivatives across a range of strength training exercises in resistance trained individuals. Furthermore, low to moderate TE following repeated trials signify high levels of test re-test consistency. The results do suggest care should be taken when monitoring deadlift performance, however further research is required to determine the source of observed error before drawing full conclusions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The data presented provides sufficient evidence that the GymAware can be used to measure kinetic and kinematic outputs both accurately and reliably in a resistance trained population. These findings have several applied applications, including providing real-time feedback to athletes, informing decisions regarding programme progression, determining readiness to train, and longitudinal monitoring of athletic performance. In addition, the confirmation of the GymAware to provide valid and reliable measures of movement performance allows practitioners to utilise this tool within innovative testing and training methods which would otherwise require resource- and labour-intensive protocols.

Prediction of the Maximum Number of Repetitions and Repetitions in Reserve From Barbell Velocity.

To provide 2 general equations to estimate the maximum possible number of repetitions (XRM) from the mean velocity (MV) of the barbell and the MV associated with a given number of repetitions in reserve, as well as to determine the between-sessions reliability of the MV associated with each XRM. After determination of the bench-press 1-repetition maximum (1RM; 1.15 ± 0.21kg/kg body mass), 21 men (age 23.0 ± 2.7y, body mass 72.7 ± 8.3kg, body height 1.77 ± 0.07m) completed 4 sets of as many repetitions as possible against relative loads of 60%1RM, 70%1RM, 80%1RM, and 90%1RM over 2 separate sessions. The different loads were tested in a randomized order with 10min of rest between them. All repetitions were performed at the maximum intended velocity. Both the general equation to predict the XRM from the fastest MV of the set (CV = 15.8-18.5%) and the general equation to predict MV associated with a given number of repetitions in reserve (CV = 14.6-28.8%) failed to provide data with acceptable between-subjects variability. However, a strong relationship (median r2 = .984) and acceptable reliability (CV < 10% and ICC > .85) were observed between the fastest MV of the set and the XRM when considering individual data. These results indicate that generalized group equations are not acceptable methods for estimating the XRM-MV relationship or the number of repetitions in reserve. When attempting to estimate the XRM-MV relationship, one must use individualized relationships to objectively estimate the exact number of repetitions that can be performed in a training set.

Effects of Ursolic Acid Supplementation on Early Strength Gains and Body Composition

PURPOSE: Ursolic Acid (UA) is a compound commonly found in apple peels and other fruit skins. Previous studies in animal models have shown that UA may inhibit skeletal muscle atrophy, as well as increase the size and strength of skeletal muscle. In humans, one study lasting eight weeks showed significant effects of combined UA supplementation and resistance training on increased muscle strength and decreased body fat percentage, but the mechanisms are unclear. Another study found acute effects of UA supplementation during exercise included stimulating the pathway for muscle hypertrophy in resistance-trained men. Our study was designed to investigate whether any potential effects of UA supplementation on muscle strength gain occur during the early phase of neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training. We hypothesized that oral consumption of 150 mg of Ursolic Acid (UA) three times a day in combination with resistance training would lead to increased muscle strength gain but no effect on body composition over four weeks compared to equivalent training with Placebo. METHODS: Twelve untrained adults (six in each group of Placebo or UA) were recruited to participate in our four-week training study. Subjects ingested either a Placebo or 150 mg of UA 3 times a day with every meal, for a total of 450 mg per day for four weeks. A 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) bench press test was used to assess muscular strength pre and post resistance training. Resistance training consisted of two supervised sessions per week of three sets of 10 repetitions of flat bench press, incline bench press, and flat dumbbell flies at 60-80% of 1RM. Pre and post resistance training body fat percentage was measured via hydrostatic weighing. RESULTS: After four weeks of resistance training, subjects experienced a significant increase in muscular strength as measured by a 1RM bench press test and no change in body fat percentage. There were no significant differences in muscle strength gain between the Placebo and UA supplementation groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that any potential ergogenic effects of UA supplementation are unlikely to involve neuromuscular adaptations in the early strength gains of a resistance training program.

Correlation Between Bench Press and Pushup Repetitions to Failure Relative to Bodyweight

The bench press and pushup are popular exercises used to develop strength and power. They are also often associated with equal benefits in developing upper body muscular endurance. However, it is unknown how they are related as pushups use a bodyweight load while the bench press uses greater weight. PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between bench press and pushup repetitions to failure relative to a bodyweight load. METHODS: Fourteen recreationally trained males (age=24.71±2.64yrs, height=177.29±6.87, mass=83.74±9.41) performed a 1RM bench press test and an isometric pushup to determine bodyweight load supported in both the up and down positions. Grip width on the bench press was measured as the distance between middle fingers and this distance was used for hand placement during pushups. Subjects were positioned for a pushup with their hands on an AMTI force plate and their feet off the plate. Isometric force was measured for 3 seconds in the up and down positions, in random order. For the down position, triceps were parallel to the floor, while for the up position, triceps were perpendicular to the floor. Days 2 and 3 consisted of performing repetitions to failure for either the bench press or pushup exercise. For the pushup, subjects performed repetitions following an 80/s tempo. The test was terminated if they failed to complete a full repetition, could not maintain cadence or there were three faults in form. For the bench press, subjects performed repetitions to failure with a load that was equal to the average relative bodyweight force of the up and down pushup positions. RESULTS: There was a very low relationship (r=0.289) between bench press repetitions to failure (29.5±7.59) and push up repetitions to failure (33.0±6.53). Load for the bench press test, relative to their 1RM (0.51%±0.07) was significantly less than the pushup down position (0.75%±0.03), up position (0.71%±0.03), and the average of the up and down positions (0.73%±0.03) relative to their body mass. CONCLUSIONS: The bench press and pushup must be seen as two distinct and different exercises that use very different loads, which could result in dissimilar upper body muscular endurance adaptations.

Effects of the Occlusal Thickness of Mouthpieces on Salivary Cortisol during Resistance Strength Training

Background: When worn during exercise, it has been suggested that a mouthpiece may have a benefit to the athlete by increasing strength and endurance. Specifically, the use of a mouthpiece during resistance strength training has been shown to result in reduced post-exercise concentrations of cortisol when compared to no mouthpiece. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if the thickness of the biting (occlusal) surface of the mouthpiece has an effect on the reduction of postexercise cortisol concentrations. Methods and findings: Six male (aged 22-25 years) participants performed identical one-hour workouts of strength training exercises consisting of five sets of five repetitions of back squats, bench press, deadlifts, and military press with 90 seconds of rest between sets. Each participant completed three total workouts while wearing either a mouthpiece with an occlusal thickness of 2 mm, of 6 mm, or no mouthpiece (control). Free cortisol concentrations were measured from salivary samples collected at four times during each workout; pre-workout, 30 min into the workout, immediately following the completion of the workout, and 10 min post-workout. Statistical significance was determined at α=0.05. Conclusion: While there was no statistical significance found amongst the results, there is a trend that follows previous research that the use of a mouthpiece during resistance strength training yields a reduced salivary cortisol concentration at 10 min post-workout when compared to no mouthpiece, suggesting that the thicker, 6 mm mouthpiece may be more effective. This finding suggests that the effect of a mouthpiece on athletic performance may be dependent on the occlusal thickness, which warrants further research into the optimal design for an athletic mouthpiece.

Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high-intensity exercise in young, healthy adults

The effects of pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation were evaluated on high-intensity exercise performance, blood flow, vessel diameter, oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP). In a randomized, crossover design, nineteen recreationally resistance-trained participants were randomly assigned to PE (1000 mg) or placebo (PL), which were consumed 30 min prior to a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and repetitions to fatigue (RTF) on bench and leg press. The RSA consisted of ten six-second sprints on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer with 30 s recovery. Brachial artery blood flow and vessel diameter were assessed by ultrasound. Blood flow, vessel diameter, SPO2, HR, and BP were assessed at baseline, 30 min post ingestion, immediately post exercise (IPost), and 30 min post exercise (30minPost). With PE, blood flow significantly increased IPost RSA (mean difference = 18.49 mL min−1; P < .05), and IPost and 30minPost RTF (P < .05) according to confidence intervals (CI). Vessel diameter increased significantly 30minPost RSA according to CI and resulted in a significant interaction IPost and 30minPost RTF (P < .05). With PE, according to CI, average and peak power output increased significantly in sprint 5 of the RSA (P < .05). There was no significant difference between PE and PL for bench (P = .25) or leg press (P = .15) repetitions. Acute PE supplementation enhanced vessel diameter and blood flow, suggesting possible exercise performance enhancement from increased delivery of substrates and oxygen. The acute timing and capsule form of PE may be advantageous to athletic populations due to ergogenic effects, taste, and convenience.

Influence of very short rest period lengths on repeated one maximun repetition bench press performance

Abstract Objective The purpose of this investigation was to compare different rest period lengths between consecutive one maximum repetition bench press attempts on performance and ratings of perceived exertion. Method Eighteen trained men (27.95 ± 4.25 years; 81.00 ± 9.21 kg; 174.62 ± 3.34 cm; bench press relative strength 1.33 ± 0.11 kg/kg of body mass) participated in three randomly ordered sessions that required two consecutive one maximum repetition bench press attempts with 20, 40, or 60-s rest between attempts. Results The Cochran Q analysis showed no significant differences in the ability to successfully perform a second one maximum repetition attempt with 20, 40, or 60-s rest between attempts ( p = 0.882). Specifically, no significant differences were found in the successful completion of the first and second attempts for the 20-s ( p = 0.317), 40-s ( p = 0.083), and 60-s ( p = 0.157) trials, respectively. Briefly, for both 20 and 60-s rest conditions Δ% = 88.88% of subjects successfully performed the second attempt and, for the 40-s protocol, only Δ% = 83.33% completed. For the pre and post-set ratings of perceived exertion, the shorter rest period (20-s) promoted significantly higher values compared to the longer rest periods (pre-set ratings of perceived exertion, p = 0.04; post-set ratings of perceived exertion, p = 0.023). Conclusions The results of this study can be applied to recreationally trained individuals with the intent of generating a time-efficient process for conducting a valid and reliable one maximum repetition bench press assessment.

The intra- and inter-day reproducibility of the FitroDyne as a measure of multi-jointed muscle function

BACKGROUND: The FitroDyne has been used to assess muscle function but its reproducibility has not been determined during traditional multi-jointed resistance exercises. OBJECTIVE: To assess the intra- and inter-day reproducibility of the FitroDyne during traditional resistance exercises. METHODS: F ourteen resistance trained males completed a one repetition maximum (1RM) and three repetitions of bench press, squat and bent-over-row in 10% increments (from 20 to 80%). Replica trials were completed two and 48 hours later. The FitroDyne rotary encoder measured barbell velocity during each repetition from which power output was calculated. RESULTS: For all loads and exercises the intra-day typical error (TE) for peak and mean power, and velocity, respectively, during bench press (8.2-53 W and 2.2-6.9 cm ⋅ s - 1), squat (13.3-55.6 W and 2.4-7.4 cm ⋅ s - 1), and bent-over-row (14.5-62.8 W and 4-10.5 cm ⋅ s - 1) identified only moderate changes. Bench press yielded poor intra-day reproducibility at 80% 1RM only (CV% = 12.2-17.1), whereas squat and bent-over-row across all loads for peak and mean power and velocity displayed better reproducibility CV% = 2.4-9.0). Inter-day, the TE detected moderate changes for peak and mean power and velocity for all three exercises. Inter-day reproducibility was comparable to intra-day, though improved for bench press 80% 1RM (CV% = 6.1-8.6). CONCLUSION: These data support the use of the FitroDyne at submaximal loads for monitoring moderate changes in muscle function both intra- and inter-day.

Effects of Two Different Weight Training Programs on Swimming Performance and Muscle Enzyme Activities and Fiber Type.

The effects of 2 different weight training programs incorporating bench press (BP) and pullover (PO) exercises on swimming performance, power, enzyme activity, and fiber type distribution were studied on 16 men (age = 23 ± 4 years). A 30-second group (n = 6) performed up to 20 repetitions of BP and PO in 30 seconds. The 2-minute group (n = 6) performed a maximum of 80 repetitions of BP and PO in 2 minutes. As participants reached the prescribed 20 or 80 repetitions, the weight was increased 4.5 kg. A third group (n = 4) served as nontraining controls. Exercise groups trained 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Maximal effort swims of 50 and 200 yd were performed before and after training. Training resulted in increases in work on both exercises in both groups pre- to post-training (BP 30 seconds, 722 ± 236-895 ± 250 kg; PO 30 seconds, 586 ± 252-1,090 ± 677 kg; and BP 2 minutes, 1,530 ± 414-1,940 ± 296; PO 2 minutes, 1,212 ± 406-2,348 ± 194, p ≤ 0.05). Swim performances of the 30-second group improved for both the 50-yd (32.0 ± 6.9 seconds, 30.0 ± 5.9 seconds, p ≤ 0.05) and 200-yd swims 200.0 ± 54 seconds, 182 ± 45.1 seconds (p ≤ 0.05), whereas 2-minute training improved only the 200-yd swim (198.3 ± 32.3 seconds, 186.2 ± 32.2 seconds). No changes in swim performance were observed for the control group. Triceps muscle succinate dehydrogenase activities increased (pre 3.48 ± 1.1 μmol · g(-1) wet weight per minute, post 6.25 ± 1.5 μmoles · g(-1) wet weight per minute, p ≤ 0.05) in only the 30-second training group, whereas phosphofructokinase activities and fiber type distribution did not change in either training group. This study has demonstrated that a 30-second 20-repetition weight training program, specific to the swimming musculature without concurrent swim training, improves swimming performances at both 50- and 200-yd distances.

The Effect of Rest Interval Length on Repetition Consistency and Perceived Exertion During Near Maximal Loaded Bench Press Sets

The purpose of this study was to compare different rest intervals between sets on repetition consistency and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during consecutive bench press sets with an absolute 3RM (3 repetition maximum) load. Sixteen trained men (23.75 ± 4.21 years; 74.63 ± 5.36 kg; 175 ± 4.64 cm; bench press relative strength: 1.44 ± 0.19 kg/kg of body mass) attended 4 randomly ordered sessions during which 5 consecutive sets of the bench press were performed with an absolute 3RM load and 1, 2, 3, or 5 minutes of rest interval between sets. The results indicated that significantly greater bench press repetitions were completed with 2, 3, and 5 minutes vs. 1-minute rest between sets (p ≤ 0.05); no significant differences were noted between the 2, 3, and 5 minutes rest conditions. For the 1-minute rest condition, performance reductions (relative to the first set) were observed commencing with the second set; whereas for the other conditions (2, 3, and 5 minutes rest), performance reductions were not evident until the third and fourth sets. The RPE values before each of the successive sets were significantly greater, commencing with the second set for the 1-minute vs. the 3 and 5 minutes rest conditions. Significant increases were also evident in RPE immediately after each set between the 1 and 5 minutes rest conditions from the second through fifth sets. These findings indicate that when utilizing an absolute 3RM load for the bench press, practitioners may prescribe a time-efficient minimum of 2 minutes rest between sets without significant impairments in repetition performance. However, lower perceived exertion levels may necessitate prescription of a minimum of 3 minutes rest between sets.

The Effect of the Number of Sets on Power Output for Different Loads.

There is much debate concerning the optimal load (OL) for power training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the number of sets performed for a given load on mean power output (Pmean). Fourteen physically active men performed 3 sets of 3 bench-press repetitions with 30, 40 and 50 kg. The highest mean power value (Pmax) across all loads and Pmean were compared when data were taken from the first set at each absolute load vs. from the best of three sets performed. Pmean increased from the first to the third set (from 5.99 ± 0.81 to 6.16 ± 0.96 W·kg−1, p = 0.017), resulting in a main effect of the set number (p < 0.05). At the 30 kg load Pmean increased from the first to the third set (from 6.01 ± 0.75 to 6.35 ± 0.85 W·kg−1; p < 0.01). No significant effect was observed at 40 and 50 kg loads (p > 0.05). Pmax and velocity were significantly affected by the method employed to determine Pmean at each load (p < 0.05). These results show a positive effect of the number of sets per load on Pmean, affecting Pmax, OL and potentially power training prescription.

Graduated Compression Sleeves

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of upper-body graduated compression sleeves (CS) on neuromuscular and metabolic responses during a power training. Fifteen resistance trained men (age: 23.07 ± 3.92 years; body mass: 76.13 ± 7.62 kg; height: 177 ± 6 cm) performed 2 separate power training protocols, either wearing CS or placebo sleeves (PS), in a counterbalanced fashion. Participants first performed a familiarization session and a bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test. The training protocol consisted of 6 sets of 6 repetitions of bench press with a load of 50% 1RM. Statistical analysis compared mean power, peak power, blood lactate, muscle activation, isometric strength, and repetitions to failure. Mean and peak power significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased with increasing sets. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) on mean and peak power between protocols. Blood lactate clearance was also not significantly different (p > 0.05) between CS and PS. Muscle activation was not different between PRE and POST (p > 0.05) for any of the muscles analyzed. Isometric strength decreased from PRE to POST (p ≤ 0.05) and was not different between CS and PS. Repetitions to failure were not different between protocols (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate no positive performance effects when wearing graduated CS during power exercise in young trained men.

Heart Rate Determined Rest Intervals In Hypertrophy-type Resistance Training

Inter-set rest is an important aspect of hypertrophy training. Validity of traditional, time-based, rest protocols are complicated by individual differences in recovery capacity and energy production. Efficacy of inter-set rest in hypertrophy-type resistance training may therefore be improved when standardized to a marker of physiological recovery status (HR). PURPOSE: To examine whether inter-set rest intervals based on time or heart rate differed in hypertrophy-type resistance training based upon the total number of bench press repetitions. METHODS: Thirty-four trained college men performed bench press exercise for ≥ 8 reps at 60% 1-RM for as many sets as possible until volitional fatigue on two separate occasions and in a randomized cross-over design. The participants rested for 60 sec between sets under the time-based protocol and for a variable time period under the HR-based protocol. The HR-based protocol was determined by the time needed to return to baseline levels. Total bench press repetitions were counted for all successful repetitions performed throughout the protocol. Paired t-tests were used to determine differences between rest protocols. Alpha levels were set at P<. 05. RESULTS: The participants were younger (22.7±3.7 yr-1) trained (4.0±1.2 d·week-1) men from Springfield College. A statistically significant difference was found in total bench press reps between rest protocols (P= <.001) with the HR protocol yielding a greater number of reps (55.1±16.6 vs. 39.5±16.6 reps) than the time protocol. The HR protocol also exhibited lesser performance declines compared to the time protocol (P=.01), but did require more rest (+14.6 ±17.3 sec) between sets as the training volume increased. CONCLUSION: We found a HR-determined rest protocol yielded a significantly greater number of total bench press repetitions among college men performing a hypertrophy-type resistance training protocol. Our findings are novel and provide evidence that HR-based rest protocols may be better suited for the determination of rest-period duration in hypertrophy-type resistance training programs.

The Relationship Between Body Composition and Preseason Performance Tests of Collegiate Male Lacrosse Players

Numerous studies have examined the effects that body composition has on performance in football, soccer, and ice hockey; yet, there are no similar studies examining this relationship in men's lacrosse. The purpose of the study was to examine the physiological profiles and the relationship between body composition and performance in aerobic and anaerobic tests. Fifty-four (19.63 ± 1.21 years; 178.53 ± 6.17 cm; 81.66 ± 14.96 kg) Division III intercollegiate athletes participated. Performance tests, including a 1 repetition maximum power clean (PC), body weight (lbs), bench press repetitions, parallel bar triceps dips to fatigue (DR), two 300-yard shuttles, and a 1-mile run (MT), were completed after the completion of fall preseason practices. Body composition was estimated using air-displacement plethysmography. Correlation coefficients determined relationships between percent body fat (%BF), fat-free mass (FFM), and testing variables. Increased %BF was negatively correlated to DR (r = -0.36, p = 0.01) whereas positively correlated to each 300-yard shuttle time (T1 and T2), total 300-yard shuttle time (TT), and MT (r = 0.64, p = 0.00; r = 0.68, p = 0.00; r = 0.69, p = 0.00; and r = 0.44, p = 0.00, respectively). Increased FFM was positively correlated with PC (r = 0.58, p = 0.00) yet not correlated (p ≥ 0.05) with other variables. Results indicated that increased %BF might be a detriment to the repetitive anaerobic performance and aerobic capacity vital to on-field lacrosse performance. Body composition also demonstrated a significant relationship to moving internal vs. external resistances.

Accuracy of Push-Ups and Bench Press Repetitions to Predict 1RM Bench Press in College Women

Accuracy of Push-Ups and Bench Press Repetitions to Predict 1RM Bench Press in College Women

The Acute Effect of Upper-Body Complex Training on Power Output of Martial Art Athletes as Measured by the Bench Press Throw Exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect of upper body complex training on power output, as well as to determine the requisite preload intensity and intra-complex recovery interval needed to induce power output increases. Nine amateur-level combat/martial art athletes completed four distinct experimental protocols, which consisted of 5 bench press repetitions at either: 65% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with a 4 min rest interval; 65% of 1RM with an 8 min rest; 85% of 1RM with a 4 min rest; or 85% of 1RM with an 8 min rest interval, performed on different days. Before (pre-conditioning) and after (post-conditioning) each experimental protocol, three bench press throws at 30% of 1RM were performed. Significant differences in power output pre-post conditioning were observed across all experimental protocols (F=26.489, partial eta2=0.768, p=0.001). Mean power output significantly increased when the preload stimulus of 65% 1RM was matched with 4 min of rest (p=0.001), and when the 85% 1RM preload stimulus was matched with 8 min of rest (p=0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference in power output was observed between the four conditioning protocols (F= 21.101, partial eta2=0.913, p=0.001). It was concluded that, in complex training, matching a heavy preload stimulus with a longer rest interval, and a lighter preload stimulus with a shorter rest interval is important for athletes wishing to increase their power production before training or competition.