Determining the Optimum Bar Velocity in the Barbell Hip Thrust Exercise

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the bar velocities that optimize power output in the barbell hip thrust exercise. Methods: A total of 40 athletes from 2 sports disciplines (30 track-and-field sprinters and jumpers and 10 rugby union players) participated in this study. Maximum bar-power outputs and their respective bar velocities were assessed in the barbell hip thrust exercise. Athletes were divided, using a median split analysis, into 2 groups according to their bar-power outputs in the barbell hip thrust exercise (“higher” and “lower” power groups). The magnitude-based inferences method was used to analyze the differences between groups in the power and velocity outcomes. To assess the precision of the bar velocities for determining the maximum power values, the coefficient of variation (CV%) was also calculated. Results: Athletes achieved the maximum power outputs at a mean velocity, mean propulsive velocity, and peak velocity of 0.92 (0.04) m·s−1 (CV: 4.1%), 1.02 (0.05) m·s−1 (CV: 4.4%), and 1.72 (0.14) m·s−1 (CV: 8.4%), respectively. No meaningful differences were observed in the optimum bar velocities between higher and lower power groups. Conclusions: Independent of the athletes’ power output and bar-velocity variable, the optimum power loads frequently occur at very close bar velocities.

Variations in Physical and Competitive Performance of Highly Trained Sprinters Across an Annual Training Season

“…Bar-Power Output. Maximum bar-power output was measured in the JS and HS exercises, performed on a Smith Machine (Hammer Strength Equipment, Rosemont, IL) and in the HT exercise performed using an Olympic bar, as previously described (18,19,22). Athletes were instructed to execute 3 repetitions at maximal velocity for each load, with a 5-minute interval provided between sets.…”

Mixed Training Programs Applied to Young Soccer Players: Effects on Speed-Power Abilities

“…Maximum mean propulsive power (MPP) output was measured in the JS exercise performed on a Smith-Machine (Hammer Strength Equipment, Rosemont, IL, USA), and in the HT exercise, performed using an Olympic bar as previously described [33][34][35]. Players were instructed to execute three repetitions at maximal velocity for each load, with a 5-min interval provided between sets.…”

“…The test started at a load corresponding to 40 % of the athlete's BM. A load of 10 % BM for all exercises was gradually added in each set until a clear decrement ( ≥ 5 %) in the MPP was observed [33][34][35]. To determine power output, a linear velocity transducer (T-Force, Dynamic Measurement System; Ergotech Consulting S.L., Murcia, Spain) sampling at 1000 Hz was attached to the barbell.…”