Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
07:22
Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
Published on: February 20, 2020
Fatigue effects on bar kinematics during the bench press.
Michael J Duffey1, John H Challis
1Biomechanics Laboratory, University Park, The Pennsylavania Stae University, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|May 29, 2007
Summary
Bench press kinematics change significantly as lifters approach failure during a set. Bar velocity decreases and bar path adjusts, becoming more consistent with maximal lifts as fatigue sets in.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- The bench press is a popular strength training exercise.
- Understanding kinematic changes during a set to failure is crucial for optimizing training.
- Limited data exists on how lift kinematics evolve within a set to muscular failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in three-dimensional (3D) lifting kinematics during a bench press set to failure.
- To compare the kinematics of submaximal repetitions with maximal lifts.
- To identify how specific kinematic variables change as fatigue accumulates.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 18 recreational lifters (10 men, 8 women).
- Determined one-repetition maximum (1RM) for each subject.
- Recorded and analyzed 3D kinematic data during sets to failure at 75% of 1RM.
Main Results:
- Lifting time more than doubled from the first to the last repetition.
- Mean and peak upward bar velocity decreased significantly as the set progressed.
- Peak upward velocity occurred earlier in the lift phase in later repetitions.
- Bar path became more consistent, staying closer to the shoulder.
- Kinematic variables increasingly resembled those of a maximal lift towards failure.
Conclusions:
- Significant changes in bench press kinematics occur during a set to failure in recreational lifters.
- Focusing on proper bar path early in training may be more beneficial than solely aiming for muscular failure.
- Coaches and novice lifters should prioritize technique refinement over reaching momentary muscular failure.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
01:22Fatigue Strength of Concrete
Fatigue, in the context of materials science and engineering, refers to the weakening or failure of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads, even if these loads are below the strength limit of the material. Fatigue strength in concrete is a critical property that influences its durability and longevity. Concrete can fail in two ways due to fatigue. Static fatigue or creep rupture occurs under a constant load or one that increases slowly. The other failure mode is due to cyclical or...
01:21Fatigue
Fatigue occurs when materials rupture under repeated or fluctuating loads, even at stress levels far below their static breaking strength. It typically results in brittle failure, even for ductile materials. It is a critical consideration in designing machines and structural components subjected to repetitive or varying loads. The nature of these loadings can range from fluctuating loads like unbalanced pump impellers causing vibrations to repeatedly bending a thin steel rod wire back and forth...