Bench Press Strength Research Articles

Effects of low‐intensity bench press training with restricted arm muscle blood flow on chest muscle hypertrophy: a pilot study

Single-joint resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) results in significant increases in arm or leg muscle size and single-joint strength. However, the effect of multijoint BFR training on both blood flow restricted limb and non-restricted trunk muscles remain poorly understood. To examine the impact of BFR bench press training on hypertrophic response to non-restricted (chest) and restricted (upper-arm) muscles and multi-joint strength, 10 young men were randomly divided into either BFR training (BFR-T) or non-BFR training (CON-T) groups. They performed 30% of one repetition maximal (1-RM) bench press exercise (four sets, total 75 reps) twice daily, 6 days week(-1) for 2 weeks. During the exercise session, subjects in the BFR-T group placed elastic cuffs proximally on both arms, with incremental increases in external compression starting at 100 mmHg and ending at 160 mmHg. Before and after the training, triceps brachii and pectoralis major muscle thickness (MTH), bench press 1-RM and serum anabolic hormones were measured. Two weeks of training led to a significant increase (P<0.05) in 1-RM bench press strength in BFR-T (6%) but not in CON-T (-2%). Triceps and pectoralis major MTH increased 8% and 16% (P<0.01), respectively, in BFR-T, but not in CON-T (-1% and 2%, respectively). There were no changes in baseline concentrations of anabolic hormones in either group. These results suggest that BFR bench press training leads to significant increases in muscle size for upper arm and chest muscles and 1-RM strength.

The Effect of Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise vs. Linear Periodization on Strength Improvement in College Athletes

Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) is a method by which athletes increase strength by progressing at their own pace based on daily and weekly variations in performance, unlike traditional linear periodization (LP), where there is a set increase in intensity from week to week. This study examined whether 6 weeks of APRE was more effective at improving strength compared with traditional LP in division I College football players. We compared 23 division 1 collegiate football players (2.65 +/- 0.8 training years) who were trained using either APRE (n = 12) or LP (n = 11) during 6 weeks of preseason training in 2 separate years. After 6 weeks of training, improvements in total bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM), squat 1RM, and repeated 225-lb bench press repetitions were compared between the APRE and LP protocol groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to determine differences between groups. Statistical significance was accepted at p < or = 0.05. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise demonstrated greater improvement in 1RM bench press strength (APRE: 93.4 +/- 103 N vs. LP: -0.40 +/- 49.6 N; ANCOVA: F = 7.1, p = 0.02), estimated 1RM squat strength (APRE: 192.7 +/- 199 N vs. LP: 37.2 +/- 155 N; ANOVA: F = 4.1, p = 0.05) and the number of repetitions performed at a weight of 225 lb (APRE: 3.17 +/- 2.86 vs. LP: -0.09 +/- 2.40 repetitions; ANCOVA: F = 6.8, p = 0.02) compared with the LP group over the 6-week training period. Our findings indicate that the APRE was more effective than the LP means of programming in increasing the bench press and squat over a period of 6 weeks.

Weight Lifting in Patients With Lower-Extremity Lymphedema Secondary to Cancer: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Katz E, Dugan NL, Cohn JC, Chu C, Smith RG, Schmitz KH. Weight lifting in patients with lower-extremity lymphedema secondary to cancer: a pilot and feasibility study. Objective To assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining cancer survivors with lower-limb lymphedema into an exercise intervention study. To develop preliminary estimates regarding the safety and efficacy of this intervention. We hypothesized that progressive weight training would not exacerbate leg swelling and that the intervention would improve functional mobility and quality of life. Design Before-after pilot study with a duration of 5 months. Setting University of Pennsylvania. Participants Cancer survivors with a known diagnosis of lower-limb lymphedema (N=10) were directly referred by University of Pennsylvania clinicians. All 10 participants completed the study. Intervention Twice weekly slowly progressive weight lifting, supervised for 2 months, unsupervised for 3 months. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was interlimb volume differences as measured by optoelectronic perometry. Additional outcome measures included safety (adverse events), muscle strength, objective physical function, and quality of life. Results Interlimb volume differences were 44.4% and 45.3% at baseline and 5 months, respectively (pre-post comparison, P=.70). There were 2 unexpected incident cases of cellulitis within the first 2 months. Both resolved with oral antibiotics and complete decongestive therapy by 5 months. Bench and leg press strength increased by 47% and 27% over 5 months ( P=.001 and P=.07, respectively). Distance walked in 6 minutes increased by 7% in 5 months ( P=.01). No improvement was noted in self-reported quality of life. Conclusions Recruitment of patients with lower-limb-lymphedema into an exercise program is feasible. Despite some indications that the intervention may be safe (eg, a lack of clinically significant interlimb volume increases over 5mo), the unexpected finding of 2 cellulitic infections among the 10 participants suggests additional study is required before concluding that patients with lower-extremity lymphedema can safely perform weight lifting.

Allometric Modeling of Maximal Bench Press and Squat Strength in Adolescent Men and Women

Allometric Modeling of Maximal Bench Press and Squat Strength in Adolescent Men and Women

Pectoralis Major Rupture in Athletes: Footprint Technique and Results

Over a 2-year period, 10 male athletes underwent repair of the pectoralis major tendon using a double-row surgical technique using 3 bone anchors to produce a foot print repair of the pectoralis major tendon. The mean patient age was 33.9 years (23 to 46 y). The mean time between surgery and the original injury was 11.6 weeks (1 to 48 wk). Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, bench press strength, pain, and cosmesis. The average follow-up was 20.3 months (12 to 39 mo). Eight patients had pain before surgery and all patients were not satisfied with the appearance of their chest. The average loss of bench press strength was 75% preoperatively. At the final follow-up, none of the patients complained of any pain while pushing objects away from their body; 9 patients had no pain on moving their arm across the chest whiereas 1 patient reported mild pain. Nine patients were satisfied with the appearance. The average improvement in bench press strength was 90%. One patient developed a deep infection requiring a further washout and antibiotics. No rerupture was seen among any of 4 patients. There was no difference in outcomes between the early and late repairs in all the criteria. In conclusion, satisfactory results can be achieved with a suture-anchor footprint repair technique of the pectoralis major strength athletes with return to earlier sports and strength.

Acute Effects of a Caffeine-Containing Supplement on Bench Press and Leg Extension Strength and Time to Exhaustion During Cycle Ergometry

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement (SUPP) on 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and leg extension strength, as well as time to exhaustion (TTE), during cycle ergometry at a power output that corresponded to 80% of VO2peak. The study used a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Twenty-one untrained men (mean +/- SD age = 23.0 +/- 2.6 yr) were randomly assigned to take either the SUPP or placebo (PLAC) first. The SUPP contained 400 mg of caffeine, 66.7 mg of capsicum extract, 10 mg of bioperine, and 40 mg of niacin, and the PLAC was microcrystalline cellulose. Sixty minutes after taking either the SUPP or PLAC, the subjects were tested for 1RM bench press and leg extension strength, as well as TTE. After 1 week of rest, the subjects ingested the opposite substance (SUPP or PLAC) and were retested for 1RM bench press and leg extension strength, as well as TTE. The results indicated that the SUPP had no effect on 1RM bench press strength, 1RM leg extension strength, or TTE at 80% VO2peak. These findings did not support the use of the caffeine-containing SUPP in the present study as an ergogenic aid in untrained individuals.

Nine weeks of supplementation with a multi-nutrient product augments gains in lean mass, strength, and muscular performance in resistance trained men

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of supplementation with Gaspari Nutrition's SOmaxP Maximum Performance™ (SOmaxP) versus a comparator product (CP) containing an equal amount of creatine (4 g), carbohydrate (39 g maltodextrin), and protein (7 g whey protein hydrolysate) on muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition during nine weeks of intense resistance training.MethodsUsing a prospective, randomized, double-blind design, 20 healthy men (mean ± SD age, height, weight, % body fat: 22.9 ± 2.6 y, 178.4 ± 5.7 cm, 80.5 ± 6.6 kg, 16.6 ± 4.0%) were matched for age, body weight, resistance training history, bench press strength, bench press endurance, and percent body fat and then randomly assigned via the ABBA procedure to ingest 1/2 scoop (dissolved in 15 oz water) of SOmaxP or CP prior to, and another 1/2 scoop (dissolved in 15 oz water) during resistance exercise. Body composition (DEXA), muscular performance (1-RM bench press and repetitions to failure [RTF: 3 sets × baseline body weight, 60-sec rest between sets]), and clinical blood chemistries were measured at baseline and after nine weeks of supplementation and training. Subjects were required to maintain their normal dietary habits and follow a specific, progressive overload resistance training program (4-days/wk, upper body/lower body split) during the study. An intent-to-treat approach was used and data were analyzed via ANCOVA using baseline values as the covariate. Statistical significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsWhen adjusted for initial differences, significant between group post-test means were noted in: 1-RM bench press (SOmaxP: 133.3 ± 1.3 kg [19.8% increase] vs. CP: 128.5 ± 1.3 kg [15.3% increase]; p < 0.019); lean mass (SOmaxP: 64.1 ± 0.4 kg [2.4% increase] vs. 62.8 ± 0.4 kg [0.27% increase], p < 0.049); RTF (SOmaxP: 33.3 ± 1.1 reps [44.8% increase] vs. 27.8 ± 1.1 reps [20.9% increase], p < 0.004); and fat mass (SOmaxP: 12.06 ± 0.53 kg [9.8% decrease] vs. 13.90 ± 0.53 kg [4.1% increase], p < 0.024). No statistically significant differences in vital signs (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures) or clinical blood chemistries were noted.ConclusionsThese data indicate that compared to CP, SOmaxP administration augments and increases gains in lean mass, bench press strength, and muscular performance during nine weeks of intense resistance training. Studies designed to confirm these results and clarify the molecular mechanisms by which SOmaxP exerts the observed salutary effects have begun. Both SOmaxP and the CP were well-tolerated, and no supplement safety issues were identified.

Moderate energy restriction with high protein diet results in healthier outcome in women.

BackgroundThe present study compares two different weight reduction regimens both with a moderately high protein intake on body composition, serum hormone concentration and strength performance in non-competitive female athletes.MethodsFifteen normal weighted women involved in recreational resistance training and aerobic training were recruited for the study (age 28.5 ± 6.3 yr, height 167.0 ± 7.0 cm, body mass 66.3 ± 4.2 kg, body mass index 23.8 ± 1.8, mean ± SD). They were randomized into two groups. The 1 KG group (n = 8; energy deficit 1100 kcal/day) was supervised to reduce body weight by 1 kg per week and the 0.5 KG group (n = 7; energy deficit 550 kcal/day) by 0.5 kg per week, respectively. In both groups protein intake was kept at least 1.4 g/kg body weight/day and the weight reduction lasted four weeks. At the beginning of the study the energy need was calculated using food and training diaries. The same measurements were done before and after the 4-week weight reduction period including total body composition (DXA), serum hormone concentrations, jumping ability and strength measurementsResultsDuring the 4-week weight reduction period there were no changes in lean body mass and bone mass, but total body mass, fat mass and fat percentage decreased significantly in both groups. The changes were greater in the 1 KG group than in the 0.5 KG group in total body mass (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001) and fat percentage (p < 0.01). Serum testosterone concentration decreased significantly from 1.8 ± 1.0 to 1.4 ± 0.9 nmol/l (p < 0.01) in 1 KG and the change was greater in 1 KG (30%, p < 0.001) than in 0.5 KG (3%). On the other hand, SHBG increased significantly in 1 KG from 63.4 ± 17.7 to 82.4 ± 33.0 nmol/l (p < 0.05) during the weight reducing regimen. After the 4-week period there were no changes in strength performance in 0.5 KG group, however in 1 KG maximal strength in bench press decreased (p < 0.05) while endurance strength in squat and counter movement jump improved (p < 0.05)ConclusionIt is concluded that a weight reduction by 0.5 kg per week with ~1.4 g protein/kg body weight/day can be recommended to normal weighted, physically active women instead of a larger (e.g. 1 kg per week) weight reduction because the latter may lead to a catabolic state. Vertical jumping performance is improved when fat mass and body weight decrease. Thus a moderate weight reduction prior to a major event could be considered beneficial for normal built athletes in jumping events.

Influence Of Exercise Order On Maximum Strength And Muscle Volume In Nonlinear Periodized Resistance Training

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of exercise order on strength and muscle volume after 12 weeks of nonlinear periodized resistance training. The participants were randomly assigned into three groups. One group began with large and progressed toward small muscle group exercises (LG-SM) while another started with small muscle group exercises and advanced to large muscle group exercises (SM-LG). The exercise order for LG-SM was bench press (BP), machine lat pull-down (LPD), triceps extension (TE), and biceps curl (BC). The order for the SM-LG was BC, TE, LPD and BP. The third group did not exercise and served as a control group (CG). Training frequency was two sessions per week with at least 72 hours of rest between sessions. Muscle volume (MV) was accessed at baseline, after six weeks and 12 weeks of training by ultrasound techniques. One repetition maximum strength (1RM) for all exercises was accessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of training. After 12 weeks both trained groups showed significant improvements in all exercises (1RM) as well triceps and biceps muscle volume improvement in relation to the control group; however, differences were not see between the training groups. Effect size data demonstrated that differences in strength and muscle volume were exhibited based on exercise order. Both training groups demonstrated greater strength improvements than the control group, but only bench press strength increased to a greater magnitude in the LG-SM group (ES = 1.74 ) as compared to the SM-LG (ES = 0.90). In all other strength measures (LP, TE, and BC), the SM-LG group showed larger effect sizes. Triceps MV increased greater in the SM-LG group; however, biceps MV did not differ significantly between the training groups. In conclusion, if an exercise is important for the training goals of a program, then it should be placed at the beginning of the training session, whether or not it is a large or a small muscle group exercise. In this approach, the immediate need of the client receives greater emphasis in program design than the traditional large to small muscle exercise sequence. Because weaknesses in smaller supportive muscles can limit the performance of more complex exercises, increased focus on those smaller muscles (if they are found to be a limiting factor) early in an exercise session would be expected to have a positive impact on the performance of complex exercises over time.

Comparison Between Linear and Daily Undulating Periodized Resistance Training to Increase Strength

To determine the most effective periodization model for strength and hypertrophy is an important step for strength and conditioning professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of linear (LP) and daily undulating periodized (DUP) resistance training on body composition and maximal strength levels. Forty men aged 21.5 +/- 8.3 and with a minimum 1-year strength training experience were assigned to an LP (n = 20) or DUP group (n = 20). Subjects were tested for maximal strength in bench press, leg press 45 degrees, and arm curl (1 repetition maximum [RM]) at baseline (T1), after 8 weeks (T2), and after 12 weeks of training (T3). Increases of 18.2 and 25.08% in bench press 1 RM were observed for LP and DUP groups in T3 compared with T1, respectively (p < or = 0.05). In leg press 45 degrees , LP group exhibited an increase of 24.71% and DUP of 40.61% at T3 compared with T1. Additionally, DUP showed an increase of 12.23% at T2 compared with T1 and 25.48% at T3 compared with T2. For the arm curl exercise, LP group increased 14.15% and DUP 23.53% at T3 when compared with T1. An increase of 20% was also found at T2 when compared with T1, for DUP. Although the DUP group increased strength the most in all exercises, no statistical differences were found between groups. In conclusion, undulating periodized strength training induced higher increases in maximal strength than the linear model in strength-trained men. For maximizing strength increases, daily intensity and volume variations were more effective than weekly variations.

Physiological characteristics of elite and sub-elite badminton players

The aims of this study were to establish the physical and physiological attributes of elite and sub-elite Malaysian male badminton players and to determine whether these attributes discriminate elite players from sub-elite players. Measurements and tests of basic anthropometry, explosive power, anaerobic recovery capacity, badminton-specific movement agility, maximum strength, and aerobic capacity were conducted on two occasions, separated by at least one day. The elite (n = 12) and sub-elite (n = 12) players' characteristics were, respectively: mean age 24.6 years (s = 3.7) and 20.5 years (s = 0.7); mass 73.2 kg (s = 7.6) and 62.7 kg (s = 4.2); stature 1.76 m (s = 0.07) and 1.71 m (s = 0.05); body fat 12.5% (s = 4.8) and 9.5% (s = 3.4); estimated VO2max 56.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1 (s = 3.7) and 59.5 ml · kg−1 · min−1 (s = 5.2). The elite players had greater maximum absolute strength in one-repetition maximum bench press (P = 0.015) compared with the sub-elite players. There were significant differences in instantaneous lower body power estimated from vertical jump height between the elite and sub-elite groups (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between groups in shuttle run tests and on-court badminton-specific movement agility tests. Our results show that elite Malaysian male badminton players are taller, heavier, and stronger than their sub-elite counterparts. The test battery, however, did not allow us to discriminate between the elite and sub-elite players, suggesting that at the elite level tactical knowledge, technical skills, and psychological readiness could be of greater importance.

Are Anthropometric, Flexibility, Muscular Strength, and Endurance Variables Related To Clubhead Velocity in Low- And High-Handicap Golfers?

The present study assessed the anthropometric profile (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol), flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance of 20 male golfers. These data were collected in order to determine: a) the relationship between these kinanthropometric measures and clubhead velocity; and b) if these measures could distinguish low-handicap (LHG) and high-handicap (HHG) golfers. Ten LHG (handicap of 0.3 +/- 0.5) and 10 HHG (handicap of 20.3 +/- 2.4) performed 10 swings for maximum velocity and accuracy with their own 5-iron golf club at a wall-mounted target. LHG hit the target significantly more (115%) and had a 12% faster clubhead velocity than HHG (p < 0.01). The LHG also had significantly (28%) greater golf swing-specific cable woodchop (GSCWC) strength (p < 0.01) and tendencies for greater (30%) bench press strength and longer (5%) upper am and total arm (4%) length and less (24%) right hip internal rotation than HHG (0.01 < p < 0.05). GSCWC strength was significantly correlated to clubhead velocity (p < 0.01), with bench press and hack squat strength as well as upper arm and total arm length also approaching significance (0.01 < p < 0.05). Golfers with high GSCWC strength and perhaps greater bench press strength and longer arms may therefore be at a competitive advantage, as these characteristics allow the production of greater clubhead velocity and resulting ball displacement. Such results have implications for golf talent identification programs and for the prescription and monitoring of golf conditioning programs. While golf conditioning programs may have many aims, specific trunk rotation exercises need to be included if increased clubhead velocity is the goal. Muscular hypertrophy development may not need to be emphasized as it could reduce golf performance by limiting range of motion and/or increasing moment of inertia.

Efeitos de diferentes doses de suplementação de creatina sobre a composição corporal e força máxima dinâmica

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of creatine supplementation and periodized strength training on body composition, and maximal dynamic strength during 8 weeks. 27 men were selected, divided into three groups: placebo, creatine loading supplementation and low-dose creatine supplementation groups. The training was composed by three weekly sessions. Body mass (kg), fat-free mass (kg), fat mass (kg) body fat percentage (%), and maximal dynamic strength in bench press, squat, lat pulldown, leg curl, barbell arm curl, seated calf raises, military press, and triceps pulley were measured. There was an percentage increases in body mass and lean body mass for all groups, but no difference between groups. Significant increase in maximal strength in back lat pull down, arm curl and triceps pushdown was observed, without differences between groups. These data suggest the both modes of creatine supplementation associated with strength training promote positive adaptations in body composition and maximal dynamic strength.

Race Comparisons Of Longitudinal Changes In Strength Of Police Officers

Strength profiles of police officers from recruitment to in-service, especially when considering gender, race and age, provides a basis for designing effective training, hiring, and retention procedures. No longitudinal police research was found that compared strength changes over time relative to race. PURPOSE: To identify differences in strength scores from initial-recruit to in-service tests and to compare racial differences using a retrospective longitudinal design. METHODS: Strength variables included bench press, bench press/lean weight and bench press/weight. Body weight, percent body fat, and bench press scores were retrieved for the 1990 to 1995 recruit classes and were paired to the most recent scores on 2006 in-service fitness log. Sample included 309 police officers: 30 females (13 black, 17 white) and 279 males (41 black, 238 white). RESULTS: Mean age at initial-recruit was 24.6 ± 3.4 years and for in-service was 37.1 ± 3.7 years. Average time between tests was 12.5 ± 2.0 years. Bench press strength significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) for all gender and racial groups from initial-recruit to in-service tests. Black males vs. white males were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) stronger in bench press strength at initial-recruit (95.1 ± 24.6 kg vs. 84.1 ± 21.1 kg) and at in-service (109.5 ± 20.3 kg vs. 97.5 ± 20.6 kg). No significant differences in the amount of change were found between genders and between races for all strength variables. All racial and gender groups increased in bench press/lean weight, however the increase in white females was not significant. No differences were found between black and white females in all strength variables at both testing periods. Black males were significantly stronger than white males in bench press/weight only at the initial-recruit test (1.12 ± 0.27 vs. 1.03 ± 0.23, p ≤ 0.05). White males showed a significant increase in bench press/weight over time (1.03 ± 0.23 to 1.06 ± 0.22, p ≤ 0.05) but they did not reach the strength level of the black males at in-service (1.09 ± 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Police departments, with the implementation of a properly designed physical fitness program, can expect to see increases in the strength of their personnel over the first half of their careers; however, there are gender and racial differences related to strength gain.

Bench Press Strength Gains With And Without Elastic Bands: A 13- Week Training Study

Bench Press Strength Gains With And Without Elastic Bands: A 13- Week Training Study

One-year Randomized, Controlled Trial Of Strength Training In Older Breast Cancer Survivors

Older women (> 50 years of age) constitute the largest group of breast cancer survivors (BCS) and these women may have lower physical function compared to their cancer-free peers. Few studies have focused on evaluating how exercise interventions, particularly strength training, benefit older BCS. PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to present preliminary findings for an on-going strength training study in older BCS. METHODS: We are completing a one-year randomized controlled trial comparing strength training (STR) to a control program of flexibility training (FLEX) in early-stage, older BCS (mean age: 63.7 yrs) who are > 1 year past radiation and/or chemotherapy. To date, 47 women (STR n=26, FLEX n=21) have completed one year of exercise training and pre-post testing. Selected measures include the following: body weight (BW), maximal leg press strength (LP), maximal bench press strength (BP), time to complete 5 chair stands (CS), maximal grip strength (GRP), walking speed (WS) and, the physical performance battery (PPB). Within group changes were determined by paired t-tests and between group changes were determined by unpaired t-tests on % change scores. RESULTS: After one year of exercise, STR significantly improved BP (p<.01), CS (p<.01), LP (p<.01) and PPB (p<.01), while FLEX significantly improved LP (p<.01), CS (p<.02) and, PPB (p<.01) (Table 1). Between group changes were only significant for BP (p<.05) with a trend for differences in LP (p=.08). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data show trends that both STR and FLEX improves lower body strength and function, but STR is superior to FLEX at improving upper body strength. Definitive conclusions must await completion of the full trial.TABLE

Performance-determining physiological factors in the luge start

In luge, the start is a performance-determining factor. Athletes spend several months in the off-season training to improve starting performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physiological factors on the luge start and identify an appropriate physiological test battery. Thirteen male members of the Austrian national luge team were recruited. All participants completed a test battery that consisted of tests for balance, jumping, isometric truck flexion and extension strength, leg strength, hand grip strength, isometric bench pull and bench press strength, flexibility, and a luge start simulator. Regression analyses of fitness variables and starting speeds revealed relationships (P at least 0.049) except for flexibility, isometric trunk flexion strength, and isometric leg strength at a knee angle of 100° (P at best 0.069). Results showed that a single variable (isometric bench pull strength) explained most of the variance in maximum push-off speed (R 2 = 0.750) and suggest that any test battery should include bench pull, trunk extension, and grip strength tests. Bench pull performance might also be a useful tool in the recruitment of athletes.

Effects of 28 days of resistance exercise and consuming a commercially available pre-workout supplement, NO-Shotgun®, on body composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of satellite cell activation, and clinical safety markers in males

PurposeThis study determined the effects of 28 days of heavy resistance exercise combined with the nutritional supplement, NO-Shotgun®, on body composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of satellite cell activation, and clinical safety markers.MethodsEighteen non-resistance-trained males participated in a resistance training program (3 × 10-RM) 4 times/wk for 28 days while also ingesting 27 g/day of placebo (PL) or NO-Shotgun® (NO) 30 min prior to exercise. Data were analyzed with separate 2 × 2 ANOVA and t-tests (p < 0.05).ResultsTotal body mass was increased in both groups (p = 0.001), but without any significant increases in total body water (p = 0.77). No significant changes occurred with fat mass (p = 0.62); however fat-free mass did increase with training (p = 0.001), and NO was significantly greater than PL (p = 0.001). Bench press strength for NO was significantly greater than PL (p = 0.003). Myofibrillar protein increased with training (p = 0.001), with NO being significantly greater than PL (p = 0.019). Serum IGF-1 (p = 0.046) and HGF (p = 0.06) were significantly increased with training and for NO HGF was greater than PL (p = 0.002). Muscle phosphorylated c-met was increased with training for both groups (p = 0.019). Total DNA was increased in both groups (p = 0.006), while NO was significantly greater than PL (p = 0.038). For DNA/protein, PL was decreased and NO was not changed (p = 0.014). All of the myogenic regulatory factors were increased with training; however, NO was shown to be significantly greater than PL for Myo-D (p = 0.008) and MRF-4 (p = 0.022). No significant differences were located for any of the whole blood and serum clinical chemistry markers (p > 0.05).ConclusionWhen combined with heavy resistance training for 28 days, NO-Shotgun® is not associated with any negative side effects, nor does it abnormally impact any of the clinical chemistry markers. Rather, NO-Shotgun® effectively increases muscle strength and mass, myofibrillar protein content, and increases the content of markers indicative of satellite cell activation.

Comparison of Division II College Offensive and Defensive Football Players' Upper Body Strength Across One Repetition Maximum Test and The NFL-225 Test

Comparison of Division II College Offensive and Defensive Football Players' Upper Body Strength Across One Repetition Maximum Test and The NFL-225 Test The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of predicting actual one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press strength from the National Football League (NFL) 225-test in college football players. Forty-one Division II college football players participated in this study. Participants' upper body strength scores were expressed relative to body weight and results were compared across both tests. Mayhew et al. equation was used to predict 1RM. A repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups. The present study found that the Mayhew equation overestimated relative upper body strength of college football players, while high degree of reliability was found between the actual 1RM and the NFL-225 tests [Wilks λ = 0.43, F (1,40) = 53.07, p = 0.000, Eta-squared = 0.57] and the correlation between these two tests was very high (r = 0.94, p&lt;0.001). The present study also found that defensive players were stronger than offensive players when scores were expressed relative to body weight. The finding of this study indicates that the NFL-225 test's applicability may not be identical for all college players. This study elucidates some of the difficulties associated with predicting 1RM. However, while it is difficult to predict 1RM, testing using sub-maximal loads are far less time consuming especially when they involve a large number of athletes. The results of this study should facilitate coaches in choosing the most appropriate strength testing procedure for their programs.

The Acute Effects of a Caffeine-Containing Supplement on Bench Press Strength and Time to Running Exhaustion

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement (SUPP) on one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength and time to running exhaustion (TRE) at a velocity that corresponded to 85% of the peak oxygen uptake ([latin capital V with dot above]O2peak). The study used a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Thirty-one men (mean +/- SD age = 23.0 +/- 2.6 years) were randomly assigned to take either the SUPP or placebo (PLAC) first. The SUPP contained 201 mg of caffeine, and the PLAC was microcrystalline cellulose. All subjects were tested for 1-RM bench press strength and TRE at 45 minutes after taking either the SUPP or PLAC. After 1 week of rest, the subjects returned to the laboratory and ingested the opposite substance (SUPP or PLAC) from what was taken during the previous visit. The 1-RM bench press and TRE tests were then performed in the same manner as before. The results indicated that the SUPP had no effect on 1-RM bench press strength or TRE at 85% [latin capital V with dot above]O2peak. It is possible that the acute effects of caffeine are affected by differences in training status and/or the relative intensity of the exercise task. Future studies should examine these issues, in addition to testing the acute effects of various caffeine doses on performance during maximal strength, power, and aerobic activities. These findings do not, however, support the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in untrained to moderately trained individuals.