Eccentrically overloaded bench press training Augmenting strength gains via a novel bench press pad
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Abstract
This study examined the efficacy of a novel bench press pad (BPP) to improve 1-RM bench press strength during a 1-month eccentrically overloaded bench press regimen. Forty-two male participants with intermediate resistance training experience were randomized to novel bench press pad or traditional flat bench press (CON), with both groups making use of a novel connected adaptive resistance exercise machine to provide supramaximal eccentric overload. The groups completed identical, thrice weekly bench press training programs for one month (12 sessions). The observed increase in 1-RM between BPP and CON group was 7.3 kg (p < .001, g = 3.85), indicating a ~66% significantly greater increase in using the bench press pad. These results suggest that the use of a BPP on top of a conventional flat barbell bench press, as well as a CARE machine providing supramaximal eccentric overload, improve 1-RM bench press muscular strength in moderately trained, college-aged males.
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