Factors Underlying Bench Press Performance in Elite Competitive Powerlifters

Feasibility of utilizing pectoral muscle thickness as a predictor for one repetition maximum bench press in trained men

The aim of the present study was to develop prediction equations for the one repetition maximum (1RM) Bench Press (BP) in resistance-trained men based on muscle thickness and simple anthropometric parameters. 83 men (age: 26.2 ± 4.9y, height: 175.9 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 82.9 ± 11.2 kg) participated in the present investigation and were assessed for anthropometric measurements and for muscle thickness of pectoral major (MTP). Then, the participants performed the 1RM BP test. A very large correlation was detected between MTP and 1RM BP (r = 0.83-0.88). A prediction equation based on MTP and body mass (EQ1) was developed: 1RM BP = -15.2460565 + (32.0751388 * MTP) + (0.6364405 * Body Weight) with R2 = 0.79. Another prediction equation was developed using MTP only (EQ2): 1RM BP = 20.36167 + (39.36532 * MTP) with R2 = 0.69. Bland-Altman analysis and paired sample t test provided insufficient evidence to support differences between the predicted and the measured 1RM BP in both the equations (p > 0.05). This study showed that both MTP based (EQ2) and MTP and body mass based (EQ1) methods can be used to predict 1RM BP and may represent important tools for the evaluation of maximal strength. These findings support the potential use of non-performance-based parameters to predict maximal dynamic strength in trained individuals.

Important features of bench press performance in non-disabled and Para athletes: A scoping review

PURPOSE

Understanding important features for performance in non-disabled bench press and Paralympic powerlifting may inform talent identification and transfer models. The aim of this scoping review was to describe features associated with bench press performance.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, SportDiscus and EMBASE) to identify studies involving non-disabled and Para athlete populations that investigated features related to bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), across six domains (anthropometric, body composition, demographic, technical, disability and neuromuscular). Search terms included "resistance training", "para powerlifting' and "one repetition max". No date restrictions were include in searches. Studies using adult participants, with at least six-months of bench press experience, who were able to bench press their body mass were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies met our inclusion criteria. Twenty-four studies involved non-disabled athletes (total n = 2,686; 21.9% female) and eight involved Para athletes (total n = 2,364; 39.4% female). Anthropometric (17 studies) and body composition (12 studies) features were most studied; half of the 32 studies investigated features from a single domain. Of anthropometric variables, upper arm circumference shared the strongest association with bench press 1RM in non-disabled (r = 0.87) and para-athletes (r = 0.65). Upper limb fat free mass (r = 0.91) and body mass index (r = 0.46) were the body composition variables sharing the strongest association with bench press 1RM in non-disabled and para-athletes. Few studies considering the uncertainty of their results. Practices of open and transparent science, such as pre-registration and data sharing, were absent.

CONCLUSION

The development of bench press talent identification and sport transfer models will require future studies to investigate both non-training and training modifiable features, across multiple domains. Large longitudinal studies using information from athlete monitoring databases and multivariable model approaches are needed to understand the interacting features associated with bench press performance, and for the development of talent identification models.

Expert Consensus on Classification and Performance in Paralympic Powerlifting: A Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

In Paralympic sports, classification ensures fair competition by grouping athletes based on their impairments. The International Paralympic Committee has provided scientific principles to guide evidence-based classification procedures. In Paralympic Powerlifting, athletes compete in one class, divided by sex and bodyweight categories, overlooking impairment impact on performance.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish a consensus among international Paralympic powerlifting experts regarding classification and performance issues to guide future research.

METHODS

A two-round Delphi study was conducted involving 26 experts. The study sought to identify the adequacy of the current classification and competition systems, explore the impact of various impairments, and lay the initial groundwork for a performance determinants model.

RESULTS

Experts agreed that existing classification and competition systems in Paralympic powerlifting do not align with Paralympic standards. Impairments from neurological conditions and those causing anthropometric changes were suggested to have opposing performance impacts. Initial directions for a performance determinants model were outlined, focusing on arm and bar kinematics, anthropometry, and body composition.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the need for comprehensive research in Paralympic powerlifting, revealing critical discrepancies between current classification system and Paralympic standards. Insights into the multifaceted relationship between impairments and performance are provided to shape the future of Paralympic powerlifting research.

Variability analysis of muscle activation symmetry to identify indicators of individual motor strategy: a case series on elite Paralympic powerlifters

Introduction

In Paralympic powerlifting competitions, movement execution symmetry is a technical requirement influenced by individual athlete characteristics and motor strategies. Identifying the elements associated with individual motor strategies can offer valuable insight for improving sport performance. Therefore, this case series study aimed to explore muscle activation symmetry and its intra- and inter-individual variability to determine the muscles mostly related to individual motor strategies in elite Paralympic powerlifters.

Methods

Bilateral electromyographic activation of the anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major (PM), latissimus dorsi (LD), triceps (TRI) and external oblique (EO) muscles were analysed in five elite Paralympic powerlifters while performing four sets of one-repetition maximum of Paralympic bench press. Muscle activation symmetry indexes (SI) were obtained and transformed to consider individual-independent evaluation. The coefficient of variation (CV), variance ratio (VR), and mean deviation (MD) were computed to assess inter- and intra-individual variability in electromyographic waveforms and SI.

Results

Both transformed and non-transformed SI indicated overall symmetric activation in DA, PM, TRI, and LD. Transformed SI revealed asymmetrical muscle activation of EO when grouping data (mean bilateral difference: 10%). Athletes exhibited low intra-individual SI variability in all analysed muscles (CV < 10%) and low inter-individual variability in DA, PM, LD, and TRI (CV < 10%; VR: 4%-11%; MD: 29%-43%). In contrast, higher inter-individual variability was observed in EO (CV: 23%; VR: 23%; MD: 72%-81%).

Conclusion

The highest variability and asymmetry in abdominal muscle activation among athletes emphasize the importance of personalized training approaches for targeting these muscles due to their role in individualizing motor strategies.

Validation of an Automatic Inertial Sensor-Based Methodology for Detailed Barbell Velocity Monitoring during Maximal Paralympic Bench Press

Current technologies based on inertial measurement units (IMUs) are considered valid and reliable tools for monitoring barbell velocity in strength training. However, the extracted outcomes are often limited to a few velocity metrics, such as mean or maximal velocity. This study aimed at validating a single IMU-based methodology to automatically obtain the barbell velocity full profile as well as key performance metrics during maximal Paralympic bench press. Seven Paralympic powerlifters (age: 30.5 ± 4.3 years, sitting height: 71.6 ± 6.8 cm, body mass: 72.5 ± 16.4 kg, one-repetition maximum: 148.4 ± 38.6 kg) performed four attempts of maximal Paralympic bench press. The barbell velocity profile and relevant metrics were automatically obtained from IMU linear acceleration through a custom-made algorithm and validated against a video-based reference system. The mean difference between devices was 0.00 ± 0.04 m·s−1 with low limits of agreement (<0.09 m·s−1) and moderate-to-good reliability (ICC: 0.55−0.90). Linear regression analysis showed large-to-very large associations between paired measurements (r: 0.57−0.91, p < 0.003; SEE: 0.02−0.06 m·s−1). The analysis of velocity curves showed a high spatial similarity and small differences between devices. The proposed methodology provided a good level of agreement, making it suitable for different applications in barbell velocity monitoring during maximal Paralympic bench press.

Biomechanical, Anthropometric and Psychological Determinants of Barbell Bench Press Strength

The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of the relative contributions of biomechanical, anthropometric, and psychological factors in explaining maximal bench press (BP) strength in a heterogeneous, resistance-trained sample. Eighteen college-aged participants reported to the laboratory for three visits. The first visit consisted of psychometric testing. The second visit assessed participants' anthropometrics, additional psychometric outcomes, and bench press one repetition maximum (1RM). Participants performed isometric dynamometry testing for horizontal shoulder adduction and elbow extension at a predicted sticking point joint position. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationships between the biomechanical, anthropometric, and psychological variables and BP 1RM. Our primary multiple linear regression accounted for 43% of the variance in BP strength (F(3,14) = 5.34, p = 0.01; R² = 0.53; adjusted R² = 0.43). The sum of peak isometric net joint moments from the shoulder and elbow had the greatest standardized effect (0.59), followed by lean body mass (0.27) and self-efficacy (0.17). The variance in BP 1RM can be similarly captured (R² = 0.48) by a single principal component containing anthropometric, biomechanics, and psychological variables. Pearson correlations with BP strength were generally greater among anthropometric and biomechanical variables as compared to psychological variables. These data suggest that BP strength among a heterogeneous, resistance-trained population is explained by multiple factors and is more strongly associated with physical than psychological variables.

Myosin Heavy Chain Composition, Creatine Analogues, and the Relationship of Muscle Creatine Content and Fast-Twitch Proportion to Wilks Coefficient in Powerlifters

Machek, SB, Hwang, PS, Cardaci, TD, Wilburn, DT, Bagley, JR, Blake, DT, Galpin, AJ, and Willoughby, DS. Myosin heavy chain composition, creatine analogues, and the relationship of muscle creatine content and fast-twitch proportion to Wilks coefficient in powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3022-3030, 2020-Little data exist on powerlifting-specific skeletal muscle adaptations, and none elucidate sex differences in powerlifters. Powerlifters tend to display higher fast-twitch fiber content and phosphagen system dependence. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether fast-twitch fiber or muscle creatine content are predictive of competitive powerlifting performance (via Wilks coefficient). Twelve actively competing powerlifters (PL; n = 6M/6F; age = 21.3 ± 1.0; 3.0 ± 1.8 year competing; 7.3 ± 6.6 meets attended) and 10 sedentary controls (CON; n = 5M/5F; age = 19.4 ± 2.0 year) underwent vastus lateralis muscle biopsies and venipuncture to compare the myosin heavy chain (MHC) fiber type and creatine analogue profiles between groups of both sexes, and determine whether MHC IIa and muscle total creatine (MTC) composition predict powerlifting performance. Samples were analyzed for specific MHC isoform (I, IIa, and IIx) content via mixed homogenate SDS-PAGE, and creatine analogues (MTC, muscle creatine transporter [SLC6A8], serum total creatine [STC], and serum creatinine [CRT]). Furthermore, MHC IIa and MTC content were compared with Wilks coefficient using Pearson correlation coefficients. Male PL MHC content was 50 ± 6% I, 45 ± 6% IIa, and 5 ± 11% IIx, versus 46 ± 6% I, 53 ± 6 IIa, and 0% IIx in female PL. Conversely, male CON MHC content was 33 ± 5% I, 38 ± 7% IIa, and 30 ± 8% IIx, vs. 35 ± 9% I, 44 ± 8% IIa, and 21 ± 17% IIx in female CON. Muscle total creatine, SLC6A8, STC, and CRT did not significantly differ between groups nor sexes. Finally, neither MHC IIa content (r = -0.288; p = 0.364) nor MTC (r = 0.488; p = 0.108) significantly predicted Wilks coefficient, suggesting these characteristics alone do not determine powerlifting skill variation.