Factors Underlying Bench Press Performance in Elite Competitive Powerlifters

Reya, M, Škarabot, J, Cvetičanin, B, and Šarabon, N. Factors underlying bench press performance in elite competitive powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2179–2186, 2021—Previous investigations of 1 repetition maximum (1RM BP) have been either descriptive or explored a limited number contributing variables. The purpose this study was to investigate the interplay between structural, technical, neuromuscular factors relation 1RM BP Thirteen national international level male powerlifters (26 ± 9 years, 178 6 cm, 93.8 9.9 kg) visited laboratory twice. Anthropometric ultrasound measures were taken on first visit, whereas (voluntary activation level, isokinetic strength, kinetic, kinematic, electromyographic measurements during recorded second visit. Correlation multiple regression used contribution variables corrected for body mass using Wilks coefficient. highest degree association shown structural (lean bone mass, brachial index, arm circumference, agonist cross-sectional area [CSA]; r = 0.58–0.74) followed by (elbow shoulder flexion strength; 0.57–0.71), technical did not correlate with (r ≤ 0.49). showed that lean isometric torque predicted 59% common variance BP. These data suggest sample powerlifters, contribute such as CSA, strength elbow flexors being greatest predictors performance.