Effect of pre-fatiguing the triceps brachii on subsequent strength performance and myoelectric activity in the barbell, dumbbell and Smith machine bench press

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pre-fatiguing the triceps brachii on subsequent strength performance and myoelectric activity in the barbell, dumbbell, and Smith machine bench press.
 Method: Nineteen trained men participated of this study (27.9 ± 4.5 years; 1.72 ± 0.1 m; 80.3 ± 9.2 kg). Ten-repetition maximum loads were determined for the triceps extension as well as the barbell barbell, dumbbell and Smith machine bench press. Three experimental protocols were performed in a randomized design. All experimental protocols began with four sets of the triceps extension (performed with a high pulley) to repetition failure followed by four sets to repetition failure for one of three bench press modalities. Two minute-rest intervals were adopted between sets and exercises. Total repetitions (work), training volume and myoelectric activity of pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii were recorded during each bench press modality.
 Results: Significantly greater activity of the biceps brachii was observed during performance of the dumbbell bench press versus barbell and Smith machine bench press. No other significant differences were observed between protocols.
 Conclusion: Therefore, considering the training volume and myoelectric activity of the synergistic muscles, similar performance across bench press modalities can be expected when preceded by performance of a triceps extension.