Movement Features Which Describe the Flat Bench Press

Abstract

Introduction.In sport technique studies, motion features can be useful as they have a certain defined measure [1]. In this work, we examined the following three features: the structure of the movement (all the characteristics of the movement), the fluency of the movement, and the rhythm of the movement. The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of the selected movement features in the evaluation of the flat bench press. The protocol of the study included a flat bench press with free weights and a "touch-and-go" technique. Material and methods. The study involved twenty healthy men; however, only two were selected for analysis. The first subject was a 25-year-old powerlifter (body mass = 95 kg; body height = 182 cm; 1-RM in flat bench press = 145 kg). The second one was a 25-year-old bodybuilder (body mass = 77 kg; body height = 175 cm; 1-RM in flat bench press = 100 kg). The subjects performed consecutive sets of a single repetition of flat bench pressing with an increasing load (70, 80, 90, and 100% 1-RM, with the anticipated maximum weight), until the completion of one repetition maximum. Multidimensional movement analysis was made with the measuring system Smart-E (BTS, Italy), which consisted of six infrared cameras (120 Hz) and a wireless module to measure muscle bioelectric activity (Pocket EMG). Results. It was demonstrated that the internal structure of the bench press performed by the bodybuilder and the powerlifter was different. As the time-history of barbell kinematics (the acceleration-time curve) showed, with increased loading of the barbell, the rhythm of the flat bench press changed, and the fluidity of the movement worsened.

Effect of Barbell Weight on the Structure of the Flat Bench Press

“…The result is a change in the structure of the exercise movements (12–14). A coach's ability to direct technical and physical training for the bench press is enhanced when thorough descriptions of this skill (the characteristics of the movement) are available.…”

“…Based on the number of the acceleration areas, the technique differences of a powerlifter and bodybuilder can be seen ( 12 , 13 ). It is related to the activity of the individual muscles of the shoulder girdle.…”

“…In summary, individuals who undergo strength training often use a different magnitude of weightlifting loads; from moderate intensity to submaximal and maximal. The result is a change in the structure of the exercise movements ( 12 – 14 ). A coach's ability to direct technical and physical training for the bench press is enhanced when thorough descriptions of this skill (the characteristics of the movement) are available.…”

“…The second aim was to investigate the relationships that characterize these structures, according to the bench press load. Based on previous studies ( 12 , 13 , 15 , 23 ), we hypothesized that the subjects' muscle EMG amplitude levels would be higher and the velocity and acceleration values of the barbell would be smaller as the load is increased.…”

Análisis cinético y cinemático de un press de banca a diferentes intensidades de carga (Kinetic y kinematic analysis of a bench press at different load intensities)

“…En el caso de la velocidad máxima se observa una pérdida más constante, observándose la mayor caída en el paso del 80% al 100% de la 1RM (31,18%). Estos resultados coinciden con los propuestos por Król & Garbaciak (2017), quienes destacan durante la fase de ascenso del PB, a intensidades de ejercicio muy altas (es decir, e»90% 1RM), la presencia de una región de desaceleración (período de adherencia) en la que disminuye la velocidad vertical de la barra. Respecto a la Amáx, se registró una pérdida entre porcentajes de aproximadamente un 26%, siendo la pérdida más notable en la INT1 (28%).…”