Postactivation Potentiation of Bench Press Throw Performance Using Velocity-Based Conditioning Protocols with Low and...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Understanding acute exercise effects on performance is crucial for training.
• Velocity-based training (VBT) offers objective measures of fatigue.
• Potentiation, an enhancement in performance, can occur post-exercise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of bench press exercise with varying loads and velocity loss on performance and muscle activation.
• To determine if potentiation can be optimized by individualizing training parameters.

Main Methods:

• Ten trained men performed bench press exercises at 40% and 60% of 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM).
• Movement velocity loss was set at 90% and 70% of initial velocity, with a control condition.
• Mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and surface electromyography (sEMG) were measured before and during 12 minutes of recovery.

Main Results:

• MPV and PV increased post-exercise (4.5-6.8%) specifically after the 60% 1RM condition with 90% velocity loss.
• Peak individual responses showed significant MPV increases (9.2% and 6.1%) under conditions with the lowest total exercise volume (40% and 60% 1RM, 90% velocity loss).
• Triceps sEMG was significantly higher under the 60% 1RM condition with 90% velocity loss when peak individual responses were considered.

Conclusions:

• Potentiation following bench press exercise can be enhanced by tailoring training to individual fatigue profiles.
• Velocity-based training parameters, specifically load and velocity loss, are key to optimizing potentiation.
• Individualized fatigue monitoring using VBT is recommended for maximizing performance gains.