Effect of Bench Press Load Knowledge on Repetitions, Rating of Perceived Exertion, and Attentional Focus

Effects of a Secondary Cognitive Task on Psychological and Stretch Performance

Extensive research supports the positive effects of stretching on joint flexibility. During stretching, an individual's perceptions of stretch-related discomfort and pain negatively influence affective response. This study examined the effects of a dissociative attentional strategy on performance and perception during stretching. To induce dissociation, participants completed a secondary cognitive task (mental math) during passive and active static stretching. Participants (n = 16) stretched in the following conditions: (1) active-mental math, (2) active-control, (3) passive-mental math, and (4) passive-control. Participants completed conditions in a block randomized order (i.e. Latin Square Design). MANOVA of range of motion (ROM) did not support an interaction of stretch and cognitive load condition or a main effect of cognitive load. However, there was a significant effect of stretch condition on pleasantness and a significant effect of cognitive load on perceived stretch intensity and pleasantness. Passive stretching resulted in a greater ROM, reduced perceived stretch intensity, and increased pleasantness compared to active stretching. The introduction of a secondary cognitive task resulted in no significant change to ROM, but did result in reduced perception of stretch intensity and increased pleasantness. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that dissociation during static stretch can reduce perceived stretch intensity without reduction in ROM. This effect exists even during active stretching, with the added benefit of improved ROM.

Anti-Biofilm Strategies: A Focused Review on Innovative Approaches

Biofilm (BF) can give rise to systemic infections, prolonged hospitalization times, and, in the worst case, death. This review aims to provide an overview of recent strategies for the prevention and destruction of pathogenic BFs. First, the main phases of the life cycle of BF and maturation will be described to identify potential targets for anti-BF approaches. Then, an approach acting on bacterial adhesion, quorum sensing (QS), and the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix will be introduced and discussed. Finally, bacteriophage-mediated strategies will be presented as innovative approaches against BF inhibition/destruction.

Effect of Bench Press Load Knowledge on One Repetition Maximum Strength

ABSTRACT

Snarr, RL, Adams, K, and Cook, J. Effect of bench press load knowledge on one repetition maximum strength. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2121-2126, 2021-Knowledge of a given load and visual feedback are crucial while performing a given task. Although previous literature has examined the consequences of lifting a submaximal weight, the removal of load knowledge has yet to be examined under maximal effort. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the differences in 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press values between a known and unknown external load. Twenty resistance-trained subjects (10 male subjects and 10 female subjects) completed 2 trials of a 1RM bench press protocol separated by 48-72 hours. The two 1RM trials consisted of (a) a traditional 1RM lift in which subjects could see the external load and (b) a 1RM lift in which the external load was blocked from view of the subject. Trials were randomized for all subjects. Results indicated that no differences were observed when the load was known vs. unknown within all subjects (p = 0.094; Cohen's d = 0.03; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). In addition, 40% decreased and 15% increased their 1RM, despite the unknown condition. A statistical difference was found between the initial 1RM estimation vs. measured 1RM during the known load trial (p = 0.034, Cohen's d = 0.07). Practitioners should note that load knowledge before a maximal lift does not appear to present any significant detrimental effects on performance. Therefore, training during a "blinded" condition may present a unique modality and additional balance component that would not be presented during a traditional maximal lift. Further examination of attentional focus and muscle activation differences are warranted.