Vol 17, Issue 1

Bench Press Range-of-Motion and Velocity-based Repetition Control: Effects on Ballistic Push-up Performance in Males

January 1, 2024 - By 

Authors

Kyle Collins, North Dakota State University
Adam Bradley, North Dakota State University
Bryan Christensen, North Dakota State University
Roman Waldera, South Dakota State University
Lukus Klawitter, Northern Michigan University
Liam Ogren, North Dakota State University
Robert Salatto, Vanguard University
International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 38-53, 2024
DOI: 10.70252/USAK1758

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the ballistic push-up (BPU) is responsive to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) after a bench press conditioning exercise using velocity-based repetition control. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the effects of range of motion (ROM) conditions on subsequent BPU performance. In a randomized crossover design, 18 males performed two conditions (full ROM and self-selected partial ROM) of bench press at 80% of their 1RM until mean concentric velocity dropped 10%. Each participant performed two pre- and six post-test BPUs to assess the PAPE effect. Paired sample t-tests assessed bench press performance measures. Multiple two-way repeated measures ANOVAs assessed differences in flight time, impulse, and peak power for the pre- and post-test BPUs. No significant differences existed between ROM conditions for total repetitions, volume load, or peak velocity. Compared to partial ROM, full ROM showed greater displacement (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.34 ± 0.05 m), work (331.99 ± 67.72 vs. 270.92 ± 61.42 J), and mean velocity (0.46 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.08 m/s). Neither bench press ROM condition enhanced the BPU and were detrimental in some cases. Several time points showed partial ROM (flight time: 2 min post, impulse: 12 min post, peak power: 12 min post) significantly greater than full ROM, possibly indicating less fatigue accumulation. The BPU may require a different stimulus or may not be practical for PAPE effects in college-aged males. Partial ROM can be an alternative that achieves similar peak velocities while requiring less overall work.

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