Does the Grip Width Affect the Bench Press Performance of Paralympic Powerlifters?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Paralympic Athletics

Background:

• Bench press performance is critical in Paralympic powerlifting.
• Optimizing technique, including grip width, can enhance athlete capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying grip widths on bench press performance in male Paralympic powerlifting athletes.
• To analyze effects on maximal dynamic and isometric strength, mean propulsive velocity, and muscle activation.

Main Methods:

• Twelve male Paralympic powerlifters performed maximal dynamic and isometric strength tests.
• Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and time to achieve maximal isometric strength (MIS) were measured using four grip widths (biacromial distance [BAD], 1.3 BAD, 1.5 BAD, 81 cm).
• Electromyography assessed muscle activation in the pectoralis major (sternal and clavicular portions), and anterior deltoid, triceps brachii long head.

Main Results:

• A 1.5 BAD grip width showed a tendency for greater force generation and MPV.
• Grip width significantly affected MPV at 25% maximal dynamic strength load and time to achieve MIS.
• Moderate effects on muscle myoelectric activation were observed, with 1.3 BAD and 1.5 BAD showing greater activation in specific pectoralis major portions.

Conclusions:

• Specific grip width selection is vital for enhancing Paralympic powerlifting performance.
• Wider grips, particularly 1.5 BAD, can improve movement velocity and force production.
• Optimized grip width contributes to faster contractile responses and greater primary muscle activation.