Article

Influence of the "Slingshot" bench press training aid on bench press kinematics and neuromuscular activity in competitive powerlifters

Details

Citation

Dugdale JH, Hunter A, Di Virgilio T, Macgregor LJ & Hamilton DL (2019) Influence of the "Slingshot" bench press training aid on bench press kinematics and neuromuscular activity in competitive powerlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33 (2), pp. 327-336. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001853

Abstract
This study examined the acute effects of the ‘Slingshot’ on bench-press performance, prime-mover surface electromyographic (sEMG) amplitude, and barbell velocity during maximal and submaximal bench-pressing in competitive male powerlifters. Fifteen male powerlifters (mean } SD age: 27.05 ± 5.94 years; mass: 94.15kg; 1RM bench-press: 139.7 ± 16.79kg) participated in the study. Bench-press strength, average barbell velocity, and sEMG amplitude of the prime mover muscles (triceps brachii, pectoralis major and anterior deltoid) were measured during two conditions; ‘Raw’ (without use of any assistance) and ‘Slingshot’ [using the ‘Slingshot’ to perform both the weight achieved during ‘Raw’ 1RM testing (Raw max/SS), and absolute 1RM using the ‘Slingshot’ (SS)]. The results showed that the ‘Slingshot’ significantly increased bench press 1RM performance by a mean } SD of 20.67kg } 3.4kg. Barbell velocity and stick point analysis indicate that this improvement is likely driven by an increase in peak and pre-stick barbell velocity as triceps RMS was lower throughout all rep max phases with the ‘Slingshot’. The ‘Slingshot’ also caused reductions in RMS, specifically of the triceps at all rep ranges but barbell velocity was better maintained in the last reps of all sets. These data indicate that the ‘Slingshot’ specifically de-loaded the triceps muscle throughout all rep ranges and provide assistance to maintaining barbell velocity under fatigue during later repetitions of multiple-repetition sets. The ‘Slingshot’ training aid could therefore be used in de-load phases of bench press training or as an over-reaching and velocity training aid.

Keywords
Stick point; stick period; powerlifting; bench-press; slingshot;

Journal
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Volume 33, Issue 2

StatusPublished
Publication date01/02/2019
Date accepted by journal08/02/2017
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/25042
PublisherWolters Kluwer for National Strength and Conditioning Association
ISSN1064-8011

People (4)

Dr Thomas Di Virgilio

Dr Thomas Di Virgilio

Lecturer, Sport

Dr James Dugdale

Dr James Dugdale

Research Fellow, Sport

Professor Angus Hunter

Professor Angus Hunter

Honorary Professor, FHSS Management and Support

Dr Lewis Macgregor

Dr Lewis Macgregor

Lecturer in Physiology and Nutrition, Sport