Angle Analysis in the Arched Technique: Cutoff Points for Maximum Strength in Para Powerlifting

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Para Powerlifting

Background:

• The bench press is a key lift in para powerlifting.
• Optimizing technique, including the arch, is crucial for performance.
• A reliable method to assess the bench-press arch is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the angle linked to the arched technique (ALAT) for assessing the bench-press arch in para powerlifters.
• To determine optimal ALAT cutoff points for improved performance.
• To correlate ALAT with bench-press outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two para powerlifters performed maximal bench presses using arched and flat techniques.
• The angle linked to the arched technique (ALAT) was measured at key lift positions.
• ALAT was correlated with total load lifted.

Main Results:

• ALAT was significantly higher in the arched technique compared to the flat technique.
• Significantly greater total load was lifted using the arched technique.
• ALAT demonstrated strong correlations with total load (r = .66–.76).
• Specific ALAT cutoff points predicted 1.5%–4.0% increases in load.

Conclusions:

• ALAT is a reliable indirect measure of the bench-press arch in para powerlifting.
• Maintaining a minimum arch angle, as indicated by ALAT, is important for optimizing performance.
• ALAT cutoff points can guide technique adjustments for enhanced bench-press capacity.