Specificity of Machine, Barbell, and Water-Filled Log Bench Press Resistance Training on Measures of Strength

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 10 weeks of resistance training with an isotonic bench press machine and 2 types of free-weight bench press exercises on several measures bench press strength. Specificity was investigated by comparing the ability to transfer strength gained from a type of training that differed from the mode of testing. Forty-nine men participated in the study. The subjects completed a pretest on the machine (MB), barbell (BB), isokinetic (IB), and log (LB) bench press to determine baseline strength and completed 10 weeks of training on the MB, BB, or LB. The 3 groups were tested to see whether differential training effects occurred from pre- to posttest scores on the BB, MB, LB, and peak force on the IB. By multivariate analysis, the trial-by-group interaction was not statistically significant. The multivariate and subsequent univariate analyses of variance tests indicated statistically significant effects from pre- to posttest for peak force on the IB test and the BB, MB, and LB. Correlations among the strength tests were high (0.92 > or = r < or = 0.97) and moderate between the strength tests and IB peak force (0.62 > or = r < pr = 0.83). Mean 3 repetition maximum MB strength was 8% higher than BB strength, which was 3% higher than LB strength, indicating differences in the amount of stabilization required to control the resistance. The findings of this study showed that all 3 training groups significantly improved in strength during short-term training on the MB, BB, and LB. These data lend evidence that improved strength after training on the MB, BB, and LB equally transfers to strength gains on any of the 4 modes of testing. These results should be considered when including similar exercises varying in stability into the training program to improve strength.

Changing the stability conditions in a back squat: the effect on maximum load lifted and erector spinae muscle activity

“…If Langford et al (2007) are correct, in terms of the transfer of a training stimulus to sports actions being greater when the load lifted needs to be stabilized, then the results of the destabilizing bar squat within the present study could be of particular interest to coaches and athletes. The loads lifted in this condition were only marginally less than in the SM condition, while there was an average increase in the load of 11.7 kg compared to the barbell squat.…”

“…Schick et al (2010) consider the barbell squat to be a superior exercise compared to the SM squat, as the muscles contract in a more natural fashion, ensuring balance in three planes of motion. Barbell actions cause a higher demand on the lifter to stabilize the load and control the movement while overcoming the chosen resistance (Langford et al, 2007). This increases the stress on the lifter to coordinate the activity of more synergist, fixator, and antagonistic muscle groups (Behm & Colado, 2012).…”

“…Consequently, the transfer of strength gains to more unstable conditions (e.g. sports and exercise) is increased to a greater extent than through SM actions (Langford et al, 2007).…”

“…This type of training, in which the mass shifts randomly during the lift action, has become popular in many training facilities (Behm & Colado, 2012). This is exemplified by the use of water-filled logs (Langford, McCurdy, Ernest, Doscher, & Walters, 2007) within training regimes. These lifts are purported to simulate more functionally valid conditioning regimes for athletes whose sport requires dealing with unstable loads.…”

Efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza en la velocidad de golpeo en tenistas jóvenes / Effects of Strength Training on Hitting Speed in Young Tennis Players

“…Los deportistas de nivel bajo y medio parecen ser mucho más sensibles a cualquier tipo de entrenamiento y a su posible transferencia entre movimientos distintos (Issurin, 2008(Issurin, , 2013. Pese a todo, la necesidad de que existan unos altos niveles de especificidad dentro de las adaptaciones de fuerza evita, posiblemente, que se alcancen coeficientes mayores (Cale-Benzoor et al, 2014;Langford et al, 2007).…”