Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
MDPI
School
Centre for Exercise and Sport Science / School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
25644
Abstract
The close-grip bench press (CGBP) is a variation of the traditional bench press (TBP) that uses a narrower grip (~95% of biacromial distance (BAD)) and has potential application for athletes performing explosive arm actions from positions where the hands are held close to the torso. Limited research has investigated CGBP mechanics compared to the TBP. Twenty-seven resistance-trained individuals completed a one-repetition maximum TBP and CGBP. The TBP was performed with the preferred grip; the CGBP with a grip width of 95% BAD. A linear position transducer measured lift distance and duration; peak and mean power, velocity, and force; distance and time when peak power occurred; and work. Pre-sticking region (PrSR), sticking region, and post-sticking region distance and duration for each lift was measured. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to derive differences between TBP and CGBP mechanics (p < 0.01); effect sizes (d) were also calculated. A greater load was lifted in the TBP, thus mean force was greater (d = 0.16–0.17). Peak power and velocity were higher in the CGBP, which had a longer PrSR distance (d = 0.49–1.32). The CGBP could emphasize power for athletes that initiate explosive upper-body actions with the hands positioned close to the torso.
DOI
10.3390/sports5030046
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Lockie, R. G., Callaghan, S. J., Moreno, M. R., Risso, F. G., Liu, T. M., Stage, A. A., ... & Davis, D. L. (2017). An investigation of the mechanics and sticking region of a one-repetition maximum close-grip bench press versus the traditional bench press. Sports, 5(3), 1-13.
https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5030046