Bent-over Row Research Articles

Resting mechanomyographic amplitude for the erector spinae and trapezius muscles following resistance exercise in a healthy population

Musculoskeletal disorders are some of the most commonly occurring chronic conditions affecting the US population, with the most self-reported and diagnosed disorder being low back pain. Low back pain is often due to suboptimal back muscle function, at least in part, as a result of muscle inactivity and disuse. Resistance exercise has been shown to be successful in the treatment of low back pain. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine resting mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude for the erector spinae and trapezius muscles prior to and following resistance exercise. Twenty healthy, college-aged men were measured for resting MMG amplitude levels prior to, and following a resistance training workout. The workout consisted of three sets of ten repetitions on the conventional deadlift, bent-over row, and lat pulldown exercises, with 1 min of rest between all sets and exercises. The results showed that there were approximate 10% and 15% decreases in normalized MMG amplitude after exercise for the erector spinae and trapezius muscles, respectively. These findings demonstrate a relaxation effect in the back muscles after exercise that could potentially be helpful in alleviating low back pain.

The Effects of Rest Interval Length Manipulation of the First Upper-Body Resistance Exercise in Sequence on Acute Performance of Subsequent Exercises in Men and Women

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of manipulating rest interval (RI) length of the first upper-body exercise in sequence on subsequent resistance exercise performance. Twenty-two men and women with at least 1 year of resistance training experience performed resistance exercise protocols on 3 occasions in random order. Each protocol consisted of performing 4 barbell upper-body exercises in the same sequence (bench press, incline bench press, shoulder press, and bent-over row) for 3 sets of up to 10 repetitions with 75% of 1 repetition maximum. Bench press RIs were 1, 2, or 3 minutes, whereas other exercises were performed with a standard 2-minute rest interval. The number of repetitions completed, average power, and velocity for each set of each exercise were recorded. Gender differences were observed during the bench press and incline press as women performed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more repetitions than men during all RIs. The magnitude of decline in velocity and power over 3 sets of the bench press and incline press was significantly higher in men than women. Manipulation of RI length during the bench press did not affect performance of the remaining exercises in men. However, significantly more repetitions were performed by women during the first set of the incline press using 3-minute rest interval than 1-minute rest interval. In men and women, performance of the incline press and shoulder press was compromised compared with baseline performances. Manipulation of RI length of the first exercise affected performance of only the first set of 1 subsequent exercise in women. All RIs led to comparable levels of fatigue in men, indicating that reductions in load are necessary for subsequent exercises performed in sequence that stress similar agonist muscle groups when 10 repetitions are desired.

Effects of Exercise Intensity on Rating of Perceived Exertion During a Multiple-Set Resistance Exercise Session

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of intensity on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a multiple-set resistance exercise session. Fourteen men (22.9 ± 3.8 years) with previous experience in resistance training (22.9 ± 3.8 years) performed 2 experimental sessions in random order: resistance exercise at 50% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (E50%) and resistance exercise at 70% of 1RM (E70%). In both sessions, 5 exercises (bench press, bent-over row, frontal raises, arm curl, and overhead triceps extension) were performed in 3 sets of 12, 9, and 6 repetitions, respectively. Active muscle RPEs were measured after each repetition using the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES). In the 3 sets of 5 exercises, the RPE was higher at E70% than that at E50%. The differences in RPE between intensities were observed in both the first and the sixth repetitions for each exercise. In the E70% session, the RPE increased between sets in all exercises, whereas it did not change in the E50% session. In conclusion, the RPE was higher at 70% of 1RM than that at 50% of 1RM. Moreover, in a multiple-set prescription, the RPE did not change between sets with 50% of 1RM, whereas the RPE increased between sets with 70% of 1RM. These findings suggest that RPE can be effectively used to prescribe and monitor resistance exercise intensity during an entire multiple-set exercise session in young men with previous experience in resistance training.

Comparison of Different Rowing Exercises: Trunk Muscle Activation and Lumbar Spine Motion, Load, and Stiffness

The objective of this study was to investigate 3 different rowing exercises and quantify the muscle activation of the torso and the hip musculature, together with the corresponding spinal loading and stiffness. Seven healthy male subjects from a university population were instrumented to obtain surface electromyography of selected trunk and hip muscles and to obtain spine position using an electromagnetic spine position sensor, together with video analysis to calculate joint moments. The 3 rowing exercises investigated are the inverted row, standing bent-over row, and the standing 1-armed cable row. The inverted row elicited the highest activation of the latissimus dorsi muscles, upper back, and hip extensor muscles. The lower activation of the lumbar erector spinae muscles during the inverted row corresponded to the lower-spine load measured. The standing bent-over row produced large activation symmetrically across the back but produced the largest lumbar spine load. The 1-armed cable row challenged the torsional capabilities of the trunk musculature. Some "core" exercises may be better for rehabilitation (e.g., having the training goals of modest muscle activation with low spine load), while other exercises may be better for athletic training (e.g., resulting in higher muscle activation and larger spine load). When prescribing "core" exercises, those wishing to spare the low back may choose the inverted row given the lowest spine load exercise. The standing bent-over row elicited large muscle activation symmetrically from the upper to lower back, however induced larger spine loads, but not surprisingly the highest spine stiffness. If torsional endurance or strength is the training goal, the 1-armed cable row might be considered.

Comparison of Different Rowing Exercises: Trunk Muscle Activation and Lumbar Spine Motion, Load, and Stiffness

The objective of this study was to investigate 3 different rowing exercises and quantify the muscle activation of the torso and the hip musculature, together with the corresponding spinal loading and stiffness. Seven healthy men from a university population were instrumented to obtain surface electromyography of selected trunk and hip muscles and to obtain spine position using an electromagnetic spine position sensor, together with video analysis to calculate joint moments. The 3 rowing exercises investigated were the inverted row, standing bent-over row, and standing 1-armed cable row. The inverted row elicited the highest activation of the latissimus dorsi muscles, upper-back, and hip extensor muscles. The lower activation of the lumbar erector spinae muscles during the inverted row corresponded to the lower spine load measured. The standing bent-over row produced large activation symmetrically across the back, but it produced the largest lumbar spine load. The 1-armed cable row challenged the torsional capabilities of the trunk musculature. Some core exercises may be better for rehabilitation (e.g., having the training goals of modest muscle activation with low spine load), whereas other exercises may be better for athletic training (e.g., resulting in higher muscle activation and larger spine load). When prescribing core exercises, those wishing to spare the low back may choose the inverted row, given the lowest spine load exercise. The standing bent-over row elicited large muscle activation symmetrically from the upper to lower back; it induced larger spine loads but also, not surprisingly, the highest spine stiffness. If torsional endurance or strength is the training goal, the 1-armed cable row might be considered.

ACUTE MUSCULAR STRENGTH ASSESSMENT USING FREE WEIGHT BARS OF DIFFERENT THICKNESS

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine strength performance of 6 common resistance training exercises using free weight bars of different thickness. Eleven resistance-trained men (8.2 +/- 2.6 years of experience; age: 22.1 +/- 1.6 years; body mass: 90.5 +/- 8.9 kg) underwent 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength testing on 6 occasions in random order for the deadlift, bent-over row, upright row, bench press, seated shoulder press, and arm curl exercises under 3 conditions using: (a) a standard Olympic bar (OL), (b) a 2-inch thick bar (5.08 cm grip span), and (c) a 3-inch thick bar (7.62 cm grip span). Significant (p < 0.05) interactions were observed for the "pulling" exercises. For the deadlift and bent-over row, highest 1RM values were obtained with OL, followed by the 2- and 3-inch bar. Significant 1RM performance decrements for the 2- and 3-inch bars were approximately 28.3 and 55.0%, respectively, for the deadlift; decrements for the 2- and 3-inch bars were approximately 8.9 and 37.3%, respectively, for the bent-over row. For the upright row and arm curl, similar 1RMs were obtained for OL and the 2-inch bar. However, a significant performance reduction was observed using the 3-inch bar (approximately 26.1% for the upright row and 17.6% for the arm curl). The reductions in 1RM loads correlated significantly to hand size and maximal isometric grip strength (r = -0.55 to -0.73). No differences were observed between bars for the bench press or shoulder press. In conclusion, the use of 2- and 3-inch thick bars may result in initial weight reductions primarily for pulling exercises presumably due to greater reliance on maximal grip strength and larger hand size.

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF FIREFIGHTERS

Accurate correlations between a wide range of physical fitness measures and occupational demands are needed in order to identify specific fitness tests and training needs for firefighters. Twenty professional firefighters performed numerous fitness and job-related performance tests. Pearson product moment correlations were performed to identify the relationship between fitness components and job performance. Significant correlations (p <0.05) with job performance were identified for total fitness (r = —0.62), bench press strength (r = —0.66), hand grip strength (r = —0.71), bent-over row endurance (r = —0.61), bench press endurance (r = —0.73), shoulder press endurance (r = —0.71), bicep endurance (r = —0.69), squat endurance (r = —0.47), and 400-m sprint time (r = 0.79). It is apparent that firefighting taxes virtually all aspects of physical fitness. These data can help the exercise specialist choose appropriate tests and prescribe specific fitness programs for firefighters. Traditional firefighter exercise programs focusing mainly on cardiovascular fitness should be replaced with physical conditioning programs that address all components of fitness.

Physical fitness and job performance of firefighters.

Accurate correlations between a wide range of physical fitness measures and occupational demands are needed in order to identify specific fitness tests and training needs for firefighters. Twenty professional firefighters performed numerous fitness and job-related performance tests. Pearson product moment correlations were performed to identify the relationship between fitness components and job performance. Significant correlations (p <0.05) with job performance were identified for total fitness (r = -0.62), bench press strength (r = -0.66), hand grip strength (r = -0.71), bent-over row endurance (r = -0.61), bench press endurance (r = -0.73), shoulder press endurance (r = -0.71), bicep endurance (r = -0.69), squat endurance (r = -0.47), and 400-m sprint time (r = 0.79). It is apparent that firefighting taxes virtually all aspects of physical fitness. These data can help the exercise specialist choose appropriate tests and prescribe specific fitness programs for firefighters. Traditional firefighter exercise programs focusing mainly on cardiovascular fitness should be replaced with physical conditioning programs that address all components of fitness.

BLOOD LIPIDS AND FIBRINOGEN LEVELS OF COLLEGE-AGED INDIVIDUALS FOLLOWING TWELVE WEEKS OF STRENGTH TRAINING

The effect of strength training (ST) on blood lipids and fibrinogen levels is not well documented. PURPOSE To examine the effects of 12 weeks of ST on blood lipids and fibrinogen in previously non-ST college-aged (n=20; age 23±3) women (n=10) and men (n=10). METHODS Subjects took part in a moderate intensity ST program (70–100% of measured 10-repetition maximum) three days per week; alternating between “push” (leg press, leg extension, triceps pushdown, shoulder press) and “pull” (lat pull-down, arm curl, upright row, leg curl, and bent-over row) exercises. Blood was collected at baseline and at four-week intervals for 12 weeks. Self-reported three-day dietary assessments were recorded to determine pre- and post-ST nutritional status. RESULTS All subjects improved strength (p < 0.05) in all of the ST exercises. Body weight was unchanged from pre to post, however a significant decrease in %body fat was observed (pre vs post; 24.3±7.2 vs 23.1±6.9%). Total caloric intake and macro-nutrient composition remained consistent throughout the ST program. HDL-C (43.4±10.3 vs 46.1±9.8 mg/dL) and HDL2-C (16.3±5.3 vs 18.0±5.2 mg/dL) increased, TC/HDL-C ratios (4.5±1.3 vs 4.2±1.3) decreased from pre to post and TC, LDL-C, HDL3-C and TG were unchanged with 12 weeks of ST. Although fibrinogen levels were reduced by 7.75% with 12 weeks of ST, this change was not found to be significant. CONCLUSION These data indicate 12 weeks of moderate intensity ST is an effective intervention to positively impact body composition and improve HDL-C, HDL2-C and TC/HDL-C ratios, but does not modify fibrinogen, TC, LDL-C, HDL3-C or TG in college-aged women and men.

Relationship of heart rate to oxygen uptake during weight lifting exercise

To define the relation of heart rate to oxygen uptake during weight lifting (WL), heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were determined during bouts of WL at four intensities (40, 50, 60, and 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM)) in 15 males. The 11.5-min bouts of WL consisted of three circuits using four exercises (bench press, bent-over row, arm curl, and parallel squat), with each performed for ten repetitions over a 30-s period with a 1:1 work/rest ratio. During lifting at the four intensities, mean (+/- SE) VO2 values were 1.31 +/- 0.04, 1.50 +/- 0.07, 1.72 +/- 0.07, and 1.86 +/- 0.08 l.min-1, or 33-47% of treadmill-determined VO2max. Mean (+/- SE) HR values were 124 +/- 4, 134 +/- 4, 148 +/- 5, and 161 +/- 4 beats.min-1, or 63-82% of maximal HR. The slope of the linear regression equation predicting %VO2max from %HRmax (Y = 0.582X - 1.7911, r = 0.86, SEE = 3.4%) was approximately half that reported for dynamic low-resistance exercise such as running or cycling. At a given %HRmax, %VO2max was consistently lower than predicted for dynamic low-resistance exercise. It was concluded that the HR/VO2 relationship during dynamic high-resistance exercise for intensities between 40 and 70% of 1-RM is linear but is different from that reported for dynamic low-resistance exercise. The data are consistent with the conclusion in previous studies that using HR to prescribe the metabolic intensity of WL exercise results in a substantially lower level of aerobic metabolism than during dynamic low-resistance exercise.

Metabolic responses during hydraulic resistance exercise

Thirteen college-age men under-went a treadmill (TM)-graded VO2max exercise test on 1 d and a 24.5-min hydraulic resistive exercise circuit on a following day. Seven exercises were performed in the following order: leg extension, bent-over row, bicep curl, squat, upright row, bench press, and behind-neck press. Each exercise was performed three times with the following work-to-rest timing: 30 s exercise, 30 s rest; 30 s exercise; 30 s rest; and 30 s exercise, 60 s rest (to allow for machine switch-over to the next exercise). Thus, each exercise took a total of 120 s, of which work was for 90 s and rest 120 s. During the circuit, heart rate averaged 153.8 b X min-1 (81.2% of TM max) and VO2 averaged 1.93 l X min-1 (41.4% of TM max). Oxygen uptake for the individual exercises ranged from 1.52 l X min-1 (32.6% of TM max) for the behind-neck-press exercise to 2.43 l X min-1 (52.1% of TM max) for the squat exercise. Heart rate ranged from 135.9 b X min-1 (71.8% of TM max) for the leg extension exercise to 163.4 b X min-1 (86.3% of TM max) for the squat exercise. Hydraulic circuit resistance exercise results in an average caloric expenditure of 40.8 kJ X min-1 (9.75 kcal X min-1).

RELATION OF PLASMA VOLUME SHIFT TO INTENSITY OF WEIGHT LIFTING

To determine the relation of plasma volume change to intensity of weight lifting, blood samples were obtained from 15 males [mean (+/- SD) age = 22.3 +/- 3.2 yr; height = 176.3 +/- 6.9 cm; weight = 73.0 +/- 11.7 kg] before and over a 60-min period following weight lifting at four different intensities [40, 50, 60, and 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM)]. Weight lifting consisted of completing three circuits of four exercises (bench press, bent-over row, arm curl, and parallel squat), with 10 repetitions of each exercise performed over a 30-s period followed by 30 s of rest. Mean (+/- SE) oxygen uptakes (VO2) during weight lifting at the four intensities were 1.31 +/- 0.04, 1.50 +/- 0.07, 1.72 +/- 0.07, and 1.86 +/- 0.08 1.min-1, or 33-47% of treadmill-determined VO2max, respectively. Mean (+/- SE) blood lactates were 6.5 +/- 0.5, 8.7 +/- 0.5, 9.4 +/- 0.6, and 12.0 +/- 0.6 mmol.1(-1), respectively. Mean (+/- SE) heart rates (HR) were 124 +/- 4, 134 +/- 4, 148 +/- 5, and 161 +/- 4 bpm, or 63-82% of treadmill-determined HRmax, respectively. Plasma volume decreased linearly in relation to intensity of weight lifting with mean responses of -7.7 +/- 0.8, -10.7 +/- 0.8, -12.1 +/- 0.9, and -13.9 +/- 0.8% at 40, 50, 60, and 70% of 1-RM, respectively. It was concluded that plasma volume decreases linearly in relation to intensity (%1-RM) of weight lifting and that the relation is similar to that reported for dynamic, low-resistance exercise such as cycling and running.