Using Perceptual and Neuromuscular Responses to Estimate Mechanical Changes During Continuous Sets in the Bench Press

Chapman, M, Larumbe-Zabala, E, Gosss-Sampson, M, Triplett, NT, and Naclerio, F. Using perceptual and neuromuscular responses to estimate mechanical changes during continuous sets in the bench press. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2722-2732, 2019-This study analyzed the effectiveness of the OMNI-RES (0-10) and the electromyographic signal for monitoring changes in the movement velocity during a set to muscular failure performed with different relative loads in the bench press (BP) exercise. Ten males (30.8 ± 5.7 years) were evaluated on 8 separate days with 48 hours of rest between sessions. After determining the 1 repetition maximum value, participants performed 7 sets to failure with the following relative loads ranges: 30 < 40%, 40 < 50%, 50 < 60%, 60 < 70%, 70 < 80%, 80 < 90%, and >90%. The mean accelerative velocity (MAV), the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and the normalized root-mean-square (N-RMS) signal from the anterior deltoids were measured for every repetition of each set. The RPE expressed after the first repetition and when the maximum value of MAV was achieved over the sets was lower (p < 0.001, d > 0.80) than the RPE associated with a 10% drop in MAV and at failure. Furthermore, the initial RPE was useful to distinguish different loading zones between the light relative loads (30 < 40% vs. 40 < 50% vs. 50 < 60%) and from these 3 zones to the higher relative load ranges (60 to >90%). Similar, but less clear, differences were observed for the N-RMS. In conclusion, apart from differentiating between relative loads, the RPE and in some cases N-RMS can both reflect changes associated with the initial, maximal, 10% drop in movement velocity, and muscular failure during a continuous set in the BP.