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Presence of Spotters Improves Bench Press Performance: A Deception Study
Andrew Sheridan1, David C Marchant1, Emily L Williams2
1Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|March 29, 2018
Summary
The presence of spotters significantly enhances bench press performance by increasing total repetitions and weight lifted. This improvement is linked to higher self-efficacy and lower perceived exertion when spotters are visible.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Resistance exercise is a cornerstone of training for athletes and recreational individuals.
- The role of training partners and spotters in enhancing exercise performance is widely practiced but not fully understood.
- Limited research exists on the specific impact of spotter presence on maximal strength and endurance during resistance training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of spotter presence on bench press performance in recreationally trained individuals.
- To determine if the psychological factors, such as perceived exertion and self-efficacy, mediate performance changes.
- To explore the impact of a deception paradigm (spotters hidden vs. visible) on resistance exercise outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Twelve recreationally trained participants completed two experimental trials under different spotter conditions (present vs. deception).
- Participants performed three sets to failure at 60% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) on the bench press.
- Measurements included total repetitions, total weight lifted, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-efficacy.
Main Results:
- Total repetitions and total weight lifted were significantly higher when spotters were present compared to the deception condition.
- Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly elevated in the deception trials, indicating higher perceived effort.
- Self-efficacy was significantly reduced when spotters were hidden from view, suggesting a psychological impact.
Conclusions:
- The presence of spotters demonstrably improves bench press performance, leading to greater total work completed.
- Psychological factors, specifically increased self-efficacy and potentially modulated perceived exertion, contribute to enhanced performance.
- These findings suggest that athletes and individuals should consider training in proximity to others to maximize resistance exercise benefits.
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