Factors Underlying Bench Press Performance in Elite Competitive Powerlifters

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Previous research on 1 repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) performance has been limited in scope.
• Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing elite powerlifter performance is crucial for optimizing training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between structural, technical, and neuromuscular factors influencing 1RM BP in competitive powerlifters.
• To identify key predictors of 1RM BP performance in elite athletes.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen elite male powerlifters underwent anthropometric and ultrasound measurements.
• Performance measures included voluntary activation, isokinetic strength, and kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic data during 1RM BP.
• Correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to assess variable contributions.

Main Results:

• Structural factors (lean mass, brachial index, arm circumference, agonist cross-sectional area) showed the strongest association with 1RM BP (r = 0.58–0.74).
• Neuromuscular factors, specifically elbow and shoulder flexion strength, also demonstrated significant correlations (r = 0.57–0.71).
• Technical factors did not significantly correlate with 1RM BP performance (r ≤ 0.49).
• Lean body mass, brachial index, and isometric shoulder flexion torque predicted 59% of the variance in 1RM BP.

Conclusions:

• Elite powerlifter 1RM BP is influenced by a combination of structural and neuromuscular factors.
• Lean body mass, brachial index, agonist cross-sectional area, and flexor strength are key predictors of bench press performance.