Impact of the Slingshot on Bench Press Performance and Shoulder Girdle Muscle Activation

The Sling Shot is an instrument used during the bench press and is thought to improve performance, reduce upper limb pain, and promote proper technique. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the Sling Shot on upper body muscle activity and one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance. The hypothesis stated that if the Sling Shot decreases shoulder torque, then 1RM bench press performance should increase and upper body muscle activity should decrease while using the Sling Shot. Eight college-aged males participated in this study. Each participant’s 1RM was tested with and without the Sling Shot. Results are currently being analyzed for statistical significance. However, the bench press 1RM did increase an average of 29.38 ± 8.21 lbs while wearing the Sling Shot. Muscle activation of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) on each participant during the bench press under three conditions; 80% of 1RM without the Sling Shot, 80% of 1RM wearing the Sling Shot, and 80% of Sling Shot 1RM wearing the Sling Shot. A 2-way ANOVA with replication is currently being conducted to assess the impact of the Sling Shot on sEMG results

Pengaruh Latihan Bench Press dan Motivasi Terhadap Kemampuan Tolak Peluru.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh latihan bench press dengan menggunakan barbel dan latihan bench press dengan mengunakan medicine ball, serta motivasi tinggi dan motivasi rendah terhadap kemampuan tolak peluru, dan mengetahui interaksi latihan bench press dan motivasi terhadap kemampuan tolak peluru. 　　 Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta yang berada di wisma olahraga FIK UNY sebanyak 30 orang mahasiswa. Adapun sampel diambil 16 orang mahasiswa yang diambil secara random sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan angket, melakukan test dan observasi. Metode analisa data dengan analisis statistik parametrik berupa analisis variansi dua jalan (Two-Way Anova) dan uji lanjutnya (post-hoc test) dengan LSD (Least Square Difference). Terlebih dahulu dilakukan uji prasyarat dengan normalitas sebaran data dan homogenitas varians data. 　　Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan: (1) ada pengaruh yang signifikan motivasi terhadap kemampuan tolak peluru. Mahasiswa FIK UNY dengan motivasi yang tinggi memiliki kemampuan tolak peluru yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan mahasiswa dengan motivasi yang rendah, (2) ada pengaruh yang signifikan latihan bench press terhadap kemampuan tolak peluru. Mahasiswa FIK UNY yang diberi latihan bench press dengan menggunakan medicine ball memiliki kemampuan tolak peluru yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan mahasiswa yang diberi latihan bench press dengan menggunakan barbel, dan (3) ada interaksi yang signifikan antara latihan bench press dan motivasi terhadap kemampuan tolak peluru. Efektivitas peningkatan tertinggi adalah pada kelompok mahasiswa dengan motivasi rendah yang diberi latihan menggunakan medicine ball dengan rata-rata peningkatan sebesar 33,92%, disusul motivasi tinggi dengan latihan menggunakan medicine ball 22,61%, motivasi tinggi dengan latihan menggunakan barbel 20,03%

Fairness in Water Quality: A Descriptive Approach

Muscle strength is important for firefighters work capacity. Laboratory tests used for measurements of muscle strength, however, are complicated, expensive and time consuming. The aims of the present study were to investigate correlations between physical capacity within commonly occurring and physically demanding firefighting work tasks and both laboratory and field tests in full time (N = 8) and part-time (N = 10) male firefighters and civilian men (N = 8) and women (N = 12), and also to give recommendations as to which field tests might be useful for evaluating firefighters' physical work capacity. Laboratory tests of isokinetic maximal (IM) and endurance (IE) muscle power and dynamic balance, field tests including maximal and endurance muscle performance, and simulated firefighting work tasks were performed. Correlations with work capacity were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs). The highest significant (p<0.01) correlations with laboratory and field tests were for Cutting: IE trunk extension (rs = 0.72) and maximal hand grip strength (rs = 0.67), for Stairs: IE shoulder flexion (rs = −0.81) and barbell shoulder press (rs = −0.77), for Pulling: IE shoulder extension (rs= −0.82) and bench press (rs = −0.85), for Demolition: IE knee extension (rs = 0.75) and bench press (rs = 0.83), for Rescue: IE shoulder flexion (rs = −0.83) and bench press (rs = −0.82), and for the Terrain work task: IE trunk flexion (rs = −0.58) and upright barbell row (rs = −0.70). In conclusion, field tests may be used instead of laboratory tests. Maximal hand grip strength, bench press, chin ups, dips, upright barbell row, standing broad jump, and barbell shoulder press were strongly correlated (rs≥0.7) with work capacity and are therefore recommended for evaluating firefighters work capacity

Presence of Observers Increases One Repetition Maximum in College-age Males and Females

Purpose: To determine if the presence of observers affects muscular strength performance in college-age males and females. Methods: Twenty-five women and 24 men participated in the study. Two counter-balanced trials were performed in which participants completed 1-RM tests in bench press and leg press. During one trial, two members of the opposite gender observed the 1-RM tests. During the other trial there were no observers, other than the tester. Results: 1-RM for females increased 3.4±0.8 lbs on bench press (p\u3c.001) and increased 9.2±3.8 lbs on leg press (p=.025) when observers were present. 1-RM for males increased 4.2±1.1 lbs on bench press (p=.001) and increased 18.8±5.2 lbs on leg press (p=.002) with observers present. There was no difference in the percent increase in 1-RM between males and females for either leg press (p=.71) or bench press (p=.08). Conclusion: College-age males and females lifted more weight during a 1-RM test when observers were present

A comparison between a traditionally periodised programme and a load autoregulated periodised programme for maximal strength gain in the squat, bench press, and deadlift in weight-trained males : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Background: Training towards the goal of improving maximal strength is commonly undertaken; particularly by athletes involved in contact sports, powerlifters, and recreational body builders. Multiple methods of programming exist, with autoregulated (AR) training being a popular topic within the training community. AR training involves day to day fluctuations in volume and/or intensity in order to accommodate the athlete’s performance on a given day. This could potentially allow for greater gains in strength due to fine tuning of the fatigue-fitness interaction. However, scant research exists on AR training, with the vast majority being carried out on individuals during rehabilitation therapy. Aim: To examine whether a load-autoregulated strength training programme is more effective in improving maximal strength in the squat, bench press, and dead lift than a traditionally periodised program, in experienced weight-trained individuals. Methods: Eight healthy, recreationally trained males agreed to participate and completed this study. Each participant completed a traditionally (TD) programme and an AR programme in a randomised, cross-over design with a 2-week wash out period between. Each programme involved baseline one-repetition-maximum testing (1RM) in the barbell squat, bench press, and deadlift followed by eight weeks of training with subsequent 1RM testing. Following warm up, participants completed one set of as many repetitions as possible (AMRAP) at 85% of baseline 1RM, followed by subsequent working sets. 1RM Prediction equations were utilised in the AR training group to dictate load used in the working sets; whereas the TD groups subsequent sets were based on baseline 1RM. Results: The squat, deadlift, and total improved significantly within each programme (all p0.05). Bench press strength improvement was significantly greater in the TD programme (time x programme interaction p<0.05). Conclusions: The present study found no differences in effectiveness of programmes at producing strength gain in the squat, deadlift, or total weight lifted. However the TD programme resulted in a greater improvement in bench press strength compared to AR. Future research would also involve auto-regulated volume, as well as ensuring matched cross over design, and ideally a use of more trained participants

Effects of Hypohydration on Muscular Performance in Females: An Ongoing Study

Dehydration (~3%) has been shown to negatively affect anaerobic performance. A majority of this research has been conducted using male participants. Like males, females have been shown to underestimate sweat loss, which could lead to insufficient rehydration and thus hypohydration. Additionally, due to differences in thermoregulation, it is possible that females respond to hypohydration differently than males. To date, no research has examined the effects of previous night dehydration on muscular performance in females. PURPOSE: The purpose of this ongoing study was to determine the effects of previous night dehydration on muscular strength, muscular endurance, lower body power, and perceptual measures in resistance trained females. METHODS: Healthy, resistance trained females (n = 7) completed two bouts of resistance exercise, either dehydrated (~3% body weight) (DT) or heat exposed with fluid replacement (HT). Each exercise bout consisted of one rep maximum (1RM) for bench press followed by 5 sets to failure of 75% of 1RM, 1RM for leg press followed by 5 sets to failure of 75% of 1RM, and vertical jump assessment. Participants estimated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) after each exercise. Session RPE (SRPE) was estimated 5 minutes following completion of the protocol and estimations for feelings of recovery (PRS), perceived readiness to exercise (PR), thirst, and sleep quality were estimated prior to workouts. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a bench press 1RM (p = 0.05) and leg press 1RM (p = 0.03) were significantly lower for DT (bench: 95.0 ± 34.0; leg press: 461.4 ± 141.7) compared to HT (bench: 97.9 ± 34.3; leg press: 500.0 ± 141.0). There was no difference in total reps completed for bench press (p = 0.32) or leg press (p = 0.37) for DT (bench press: 31.0 ± 6.7; leg press: 47.9 ± 21.6) compared to HT (bench press: 31.7 ± 5.0; leg press: 49.6 ± 22.8). There was no significant difference (p = 0.15) for vertical jump height (DT: 17.6 ± 2.2, HT: 18.1 ± 2.6). RPE was not significantly different following bench press (p = 0.5) (DT: 7.1 ± 1.1, HT: 7.1 ± 0.9) or leg press (p = 0.41) (DT: 6.7 ± 0.5, HT: 6.9 ± 1.7). SRPE was significantly higher (p = 0.05) for DT (6.6 ± 0.5) vs HT (5.9 ± 0.7). Significant differences for PRS (p = 0.03) (DT: 5.4 ± 2.2, HT: 7.05 ± 1.3) and PR (p = 0.01) (DT: 3.9 ± 0.9, HT: 2.6 ± 0.5) indicate participants expected impaired performance during DT. Feelings of thirst were significantly higher (p = 0.001) for DT (6.5 ± 2.5) vs HT (2.1 ± 2.3). Estimations of sleep quality were significantly lower (p = 0.05) for DT (4.3 ± 3.3) vs HT (7.2 ± 2.1). CONCLUSION: Even though only preliminary data from a presently ongoing study, the current results suggest that previous night dehydration has a negative influence on both performance and perceptual measures in resistance trained females

Using Maximal Isometric Force to Determine the Optimal Load for Measuring Dynamic Muscle Power

Maximal power output occurs when subjects perform ballistic exercises using loads of ~30-50% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM). However, performing 1-RM testing prior to power measurement requires considerable time, especially when testing involves multiple exercises. Maximal isometric force (MIF), which requires substantially less time to measure than 1-RM, might be an acceptable alternative for determining the optimal load for power testing. PURPOSE: To determine the optimal load based on MIF for maximizing dynamic power output during leg press and bench press exercises. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers (12 men and 8 women; mean +/- SD age: 31+/-6 y; body mass: 72 +/- 15 kg) performed isometric leg press and bench press movements, during which MIF was measured using force plates. Subsequently, subjects performed ballistic leg press and bench press exercises using loads corresponding to 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% of MIF presented in randomized order. Maximal instantaneous power was calculated during the ballistic exercise tests using force plates and position transducers. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Fisher LSD post hoc tests were used to determine the load(s) that elicited maximal power output. RESULTS: For the leg press power test, six subjects were unable to be tested at 20% and 30% MIF because these loads were less than the lightest possible load (i.e., the weight of the unloaded leg press sled assembly [31.4 kg]). For the bench press power test, five subjects were unable to be tested at 20% MIF because these loads were less than the weight of the unloaded aluminum bar (i.e., 11.4 kg). Therefore, these loads were excluded from analysis. A trend (p = 0.07) for a main effect of load existed for the leg press exercise, indicating that the 40% MIF load tended to elicit greater power output than the 60% MIF load (effect size = 0.38). A significant (p . 0.05) main effect of load existed for the bench press exercise; post hoc analysis indicated that the effect of load on power output was: 30% > 40% > 50% = 60%. CONCLUSION: Loads of 40% and 30% of MIF elicit maximal power output during dynamic leg presses and bench presses, respectively. These findings are similar to those obtained when loading is based on 1-RM

The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion on Back Squat and Bench Press Exercise to Failure

This study examined the acute effects of NaHCO3 ingestion on repetitions to failure and rating of perceived exertion in the back squat and bench press in trained men. Eight resistance-trained men took part in this double-blind, randomized crossover experimental study whereby they ingested NaHCO3 (0.3 g[middle dot]kg-1 body mass) or placebo (sodium chloride NaCl: 0.045 g[middle dot]kg-1 body mass) solution 60 minutes before completing a bout of resistance exercise (3 sets of bench press and back squat exercise to failure at an intensity of 80% 1 repetition maximum). Experimental conditions were separated by at least 48 hours. Participants completed more repetitions to failure in the back squat after NaHCO3 ingestion (p = 0.04) but not for bench press (p = 0.679). Mean +/- SD of total repetitions was 31.3 +/- 15.3 and 24.6 +/- 16.2 for back squat and 28.7 +/- 12.2 and 26.7 +/- 10.2 for bench press in NaHCO3 and placebo conditions, respectively. Repetitions to failure decreased as set increased for the back squat and bench press (p = 0.001, both). Rating of perceived exertion significantly increased with set for the back squat and bench press (p = 0.002, both). There was no significant change in blood lactate across time or between conditions. There were however treatment x time interactions for blood pH (p = 0.014) and blood HCO3 concentration (p = 0.001). After ingestion, blood pH and HCO3 (p = 0.008) concentrations were greater for the NaHCO3 condition compared with the placebo condition (p \u3c 0.001). The results of this study suggest that sodium bicarbonate ingestion can enhance resistance exercise performance using a repetition to failure protocol in the first exercise in a resistance exercise session

Associations between anthropometric characteristics and physical performance in male law enforcement officers: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Police officers are often required to undertake physically demanding tasks, like lifting, dragging and pursuing a suspect. Therefore, physical performance is a key requirement. METHODS: Retrospective data for 76 male police officers (mean age = 39.42 ± 8.41 years; mean weight = 84.21 ± 12.91 kg) was obtained. Data included anthropometric (skinfolds, estimated percentage body fat, lean body mass and fat mass) and physical performance (1 Repetition Maximum Bench Press, 1–min sit-ups, 1-min push-ups, vertical jump, 300 m run, 1.5 mile run) measures and correlations between anthropometric measurement and fitness score were obtained. RESULTS: Estimated percentage body fat was significantly (p ≤ .001) and negatively correlated with all performance measures, except sit-ups and 300 m and 1.5 mile run performance. Estimated lean body mass was significantly and positively (p ≤ .001) correlated with push-ups, bench press and vertical jump measures, while increasing estimated fat mass was significantly (p ≤ .001) associated with reduced performance on sit-up, vertical jump, 1.5 mile run and estimated maximal voluntary oxygen uptake. CONCLUSIONS: A targeted approach, going beyond just decreasing percentage body fat to also selectively increasing lean mass, should be applied for optimal improvement in physical fitness performance

Effects of Caffeine on Maximum Bench Press Repetitions

The purpose of this research is to study the effects of caffeine on the maximum amount bench press repetitions performed. Blood pressure and heart rate will also be measured. This research is important because of the popular use of caffeine among college athletes in today\u27s society and proving or disproving the benefits could be of great importance to athletes at our university