Not as simple as it seems: Front foot contact kinetics, muscle function and ball release speed in cricket pace bowlers.

This study investigated the relationship between front foot contact (FFC) ground reaction forces (GRF) during the delivery stride, lower-limb strength, eccentric dexterity and power, and ball release speed (BRS) among pace bowlers. Thirteen high-level male pace bowlers performed double and single leg drop landings; isometric mid-thigh pull; countermovement jump; and pace bowling (two-over bowling spell measuring BRS and FFC GRF). The relationship between assessed variables and BRS was determined via frequentist and Bayesian multiple linear regression. The model including peak braking force was the most probable given the data (Bayes Factor=1.713) but provided only weak evidence in comparison to the null model. The results of frequentist and Bayesian modelling were comparable with peak braking force explaining 23.3% of the variance in BRS (F(1, 11)=4.64, P=0.054). Results indicate pace bowlers with greater peak braking GRF during FFC generally elicit higher BRS. However, the weak relationship between peak braking force and BRS, and the lack of a linear relationship between BRS and other variables, highlights the complexities and inter-individual variability inherent to pace bowling at a high-level. A more individual-focused analysis revealed varied strategies within pace bowlers to deliver the outcome (e.g., BRS) and should be considered in future study designs.

Impact of the "Sling Shot" Supportive Device on Upper-Body Neuromuscular Activity during the Bench Press Exercise.

The aim of this study was to compare the muscle activity between the sling shot assisted (SS) and control (CONT) flat barbell bench press for selected external loads of 70%, 85%, 100% one-repetition maximum (1RM). Ten resistance-trained men participated in the study (age = 22.2 ± 1.9 years, body mass = 88.7 ± 11.2 kg, body height = 179.5 ± 4.1, 1RM in the bench press = 127.25 ± 25.86 kg, and strength training experience = 6 ± 2.5 years). Evaluation of peak muscle activity of the dominant body side was carried out using surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded for the triceps brachii, pectoralis major, and anterior deltoid during each attempt. The three-way repeated measure ANOVA revealed statistically significant main interaction for condition x muscle group (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.569); load x muscle group (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.709); and condition x load (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.418). A main effect was also observed for condition (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.968); load (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.976); and muscle group (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.977). The post hoc analysis for the main effect of the condition indicated statistically significant decrease in %MVIC for the SS compared to CONT condition (74.9 vs. 88.9%MVIC; p < 0.01; ES = 0.39). The results of this study showed that using the SS significantly affects the muscle activity pattern of the flat bench press and results in its acute decrease in comparison to an equal load under CONT conditions. The SS device may be an effective tool both in rehabilitation and strength training protocols by increasing stability with a reduction of muscular activity of the prime movers.

A Comparison of Muscle Activity Between the Cambered and Standard Bar During the Bench Press Exercise.

The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic activity between the standard and cambered bar during the bench press (BP) exercise. Twelve resistance-trained males performed the flat BP with a standard and a cambered bar at selected loads (50%, 70%, and 90% 1RM). Muscle activation assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded for the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii during each attempt. A three-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated statistically significant main interaction for bar × load × muscle (p < 0.01); bar × load (p < 0.01); bar × muscle (p < 0.01); load × muscle (p < 0.01). There was also a main effect for the bar (p < 0.01); load (p < 0.01); and muscle group (p < 0.01). The post hoc analysis for the main multiple interaction effect of bar × load × muscle showed a statistically significant increase in sEMG for the standard bar in the pectoralis major compared to the cambered bar at 50% 1RM (p < 0.01) and 90% 1RM (p < 0.01), as well as in the triceps brachii long at 90% 1RM (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a statistically significant decrease in sEMG was registered for the standard bar in the anterior deltoid compared to the cambered bar at 90% 1RM (p = 0.02). The results indicated that the cambered bar was superior in activating the anterior deltoid muscle compared to the standard bar during the BP exercise, whereas the standard bar provided higher pectoralis major and triceps brachii long head sEMG activity at 90% 1RM.

Does Eccentric-only and Concentric-only Activation Increase Power Output?

PURPOSE: The aim of study was to evaluate changes in power output and bar velocity in the bench press throw (BPT) following the bench press (BP) exercise as a conditioning activity (CA) with concentric only (CONONLY) and eccentric only (ECCONLY) contractions. METHODS: Thirty-two (n = 32) healthy strength-trained men participated in this study (age, 28.4 ± 4.5 yr; height, 177 ± 7.6 cm; body mass, 93.5 ± 9.3 kg; BP one-repetition maximum (1RM), 143.6 ± 17.5 kg). The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed 2 sets of 2 repetitions using the BP exercise as the CA at 90% 1RM ECCONLY, 90% 1RM CONONLY, 110% 1RM ECCONLY, or 130% 1RM ECCONLY contraction. The BPT was performed to assess changes in peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and peak velocity (PV), mean velocity (MV) before and after CA. The differences between analyzed variables before and after the CA were verified using ANOVA with repeated measures. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between baseline and postactivation value of PP and PV in the BPT (P < 0.05) after the CA with ECCONLY contraction at 110% 1RM and at 130% 1RM as well between baseline and postactivation value of MV in the BPT (P < 0.05) after CA with contraction at 110% 1RM. There were no significant differences between baseline and postactivation values of PP, MP, PV, and MV in the BPT after the CA with CONONLY contraction at 90% 1RM and CA with ECCONLY contraction at 90% 1RM. CONCLUSIONS: Partial movement with ECCONLY contraction is effective in short-term power output development, but only when the load used in the CA exceeds 100% 1RM.

A New Approach to EMG Analysis of Closed-Circuit Movements Such as the Flat Bench Press.

BACKGROUND: The bench press (BP) is a complex exercise demanding high neuromuscular activity. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify the patterns of muscular activity of the prime movers on both sides of an elite powerlifter. METHODS: A World Champion (RAW PR 320 kg) participated in the study (age: 34 years; body mass: 103 kg; body height 1.72 m; one-repetition maximum (1 RM) flat bench press: 220 kg). The subject performed one repetition of the flat bench press with: 70% 1 RM (150 kg) and 90% 1 RM (200 kg) in tempos: 2 s eccentric and 1 s concentric phase; 6 s eccentric and 1 s concentric phase). The activity was recorded for: pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii (lateral and long head). RESULTS: The total sum of peak muscle activity for the four analyzed muscles during both phases of the BP with the different loads and tempos was significantly different, and greater on the right side of the body. CONCLUSIONS: The use of lighter loads activate muscle groups in a different activation level, allowing for a greater muscle control. Lifting submaximal and maximal loads causes an activation of most motor units involved in the movement. Experienced athletes have a stabilized neuromuscular pattern for lifting which has different bilateral activity contribution.