Influence of Grip Width and Anthropometric Characteristics on the Bench-Press Load–Velocity Relationship

Click name to view affiliation

Alejandro Pérez-Castilla
Search for other papers by Alejandro Pérez-Castilla in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Daniel Jerez-Mayorga
Search for other papers by Daniel Jerez-Mayorga in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Dario Martínez-García
Search for other papers by Dario Martínez-García in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ángela Rodríguez-Perea
Search for other papers by Ángela Rodríguez-Perea in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Luis J. Chirosa-Ríos
Search for other papers by Luis J. Chirosa-Ríos in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Amador García-Ramos
Search for other papers by Amador García-Ramos in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Purpose: To compare the load–velocity (L-V) relationship between bench-press exercises performed using 4 different grip widths, to determine the association between the anthropometric characteristics and L-V profile, and to explore whether a multiple linear-regression model with movement velocity and subjects’ anthropometric characteristics as predictor variables could increase the goodness of fit of the individualized L-V relationship. Methods: The individual L-V relationship of 20 men was evaluated by means of an incremental loading test during the bench-press exercise performed on a Smith machine using narrow, medium, wide, and self-selected grip widths. Simple and multiple linear-regression models were performed. Results: The mean velocity associated with each relative load did not differ among the 4 grip widths (P ≥ .130). Only body height and total arm length were correlated with the mean velocity associated with light and medium loads (r ≥ .464). A slightly higher variance of the velocity attained at each relative load was explained when some anthropometric characteristics were used as predictor variables along with the movement velocity (r2 = .969 [.965–.973]) in comparison with the movement velocity alone (r2 = .966 [.955–.968]). However, the amount of variance explained by the individual L-V relationships was always higher than with the multiple linear-regression models (r2 = .995 [.985–1.000]). Conclusions: These results indicate that the individual determination of the L-V relationship using a self-selected grip width could be recommended to monitor relative loads in the Smith machine bench-press exercise.

Pérez-Castilla, Martínez-García, Rodríguez-Perea, and Chirosa-Ríos are with the Dept of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. Jerez-Mayorga is with the Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile. García-Ramos is with the Dept of Sports Sciences and Physical Conditioning, Faculty of Education, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile.

García-Ramos (amgarcia@ucsc.cl) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand
  • 1.

    Mann J, Ivey P, Sayers S. Velocity-based training in football. Strength Cond J. 2015;37:5257. doi:10.1519/SSC.0000000000000177

  • 2.

    Nevin J. Auto-regulated resistance training: does velocity-based training represent the future? Strength Cond J. 2019;41(4):3439. doi:10.1519/SSC.0000000000000471

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    González-Badillo JJ, Sánchez-Medina L. Movement velocity as a measure of loading intensity in resistance training. Int J Sports Med. 2010;31:347352. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1248333

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    García-Ramos A, Pestaña-Melero FL, Pérez-Castilla A, Rojas FJ, Haff GG. Differences in the load-velocity profile between 4 bench press variants. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2018;13:326331. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2017-0158

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Balsalobre-Fernández C, Muñoz-López M, Marchante D, García-Ramos A. Repetitions in reserve and rate of perceived exertion increase the prediction capabilities of the load-velocity relationship [published online ahead of print October 10, 2018]. J Strength Cond Res.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Sánchez-Medina L, González-Badillo JJ, Pérez CE, Pallarés JG. Velocity- and power-load relationships of the bench pull vs bench press exercises. Int J Sports Med. 2014;35:209216.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    García-Ramos A, Suzovic D, Pérez-Castilla A. The load-velocity profiles of three upper-body pushing exercises in men and women [published online ahead of print July 12, 2019]. Sports Biomech.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Dorrell HF, Smith MF, Gee TI. Comparison of velocity-based and traditional percentage-based loading methods on maximal strength and power adaptations. J Strength Cond Res2020;34(1):4653. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003089

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Sánchez-Medina L, González-Badillo JJ. Velocity loss as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue during resistance training. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:17251734. PubMed ID: 21311352 doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213f880

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Weakley JJ, Wilson KM, Till K, et al. Visual feedback attenuates mean concentric barbell velocity loss, and improves motivation, competitiveness, and perceived workload in male adolescent athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33(9):24202425. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002133

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Weakley J, Till K, Sampson J, et al. The effects of augmented feedback on sprint, jump, and strength adaptations in rugby union players after a 4-week training program. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2019;14(9):12051211. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2018-0523

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Loturco I, Kobal R, Moraes JE, et al. Predicting the maximum dynamic strength in bench press: the high precision of the bar velocity approach. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31:11271131. PubMed ID: 28328719 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001670

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Garcia-Ramos A, Perez-Castilla A, Villar Macias FJ, Latorre-Roman PA, Parraga JA, Garcia-Pinillos F. Differences in the one-repetition maximum and load-velocity profile between the flat and arched bench press in competitive powerlifters [published online ahead of print December 11, 2019]. Sports Biomech.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    García-Ramos A, Pestaña-Melero FL, Pérez-Castilla A, Rojas FJ, Gregory Haff G. Mean velocity vs mean propulsive velocity vs peak velocity: which variable determines bench press relative load with higher reliability? J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32:12731279. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001998

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Pestaña-Melero FL, Haff GG, Rojas FJ, Pérez-Castilla A, García-Ramos A. Reliability of the load–velocity relationship obtained through linear and polynomial regression models to predict the 1-repetition maximum load. J Appl Biomech. 2018;34:184190. doi:10.1123/jab.2017-0266

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Lehman GJ. The influence of grip width and forearm pronation/supination on upper-body myoelectric activity during the flat bench press. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19:587591. PubMed ID: 16095407

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 17.

    Calatayud J, Vinstrup J, Jakobsen MD, Sundstrup E, Colado J, Andersen LL. Attentional focus and grip width influences on bench press resistance training. Percept Mot Skills. 2018;125:265277. PubMed ID: 29231125 doi:10.1177/0031512517747773

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Lockie RG, Callaghan SJ, Moreno MR, et al. An investigation of the mechanics and sticking region of a one-repetition maximum close-grip bench press versus the traditional bench press. Sport. 2017;5(3):E46. doi:10.3390/sports5030046

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Lockie RG, Callaghan SJ, Orjalo AJ, Moreno MR. Loading range for the development of peak power in the close-grip bench press versus the traditional bench press. Sport. 2018;6:E97. doi:10.3390/sports6030097

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Fahs CA, Rossow LM, Zourdos MC. Analysis of factors related to back squat concentric velocity. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32:24352441. PubMed ID: 30137028 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002295

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Fahs CA, Blumkaitis JC, Rossow LM. Factors related to average concentric velocity of 4 barbell exercises at various loads. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33:597605. PubMed ID: 30640305 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003043

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    Macht JW, Abel MG, Mullineaux DR, Yates JW. Development of 1RM prediction equations for bench press in moderately trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30:29012906. PubMed ID: 26913865 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001385

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 23.

    Reya M, Skarabot J, Cveticanin B, Sarabon N. Factors underlying bench press performance in elite competitive powerlifters [published online ahead of print March 15, 2019]. J Strength Cond Res.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 24.

    Caruso JF, Taylor ST, Lutz BM, et al. Anthropometry as a predictor of bench press performance done at different loads. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26:24602467. PubMed ID: 22027858 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31823c44bb

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25.

    Lockie RG, Callaghan SJ, Orjalo AJ, Moreno MR. Relationships between arm span and the mechanics of the one-repetition maximum traditional and close-grip bench press. Facta Univ Ser Phys Educ Sport. 2018;16:271280.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Reynolds JM, Gordon TJ, Robergs RA. Prediction of one repetition maximum strength from multiple repetition maximum testing and anthropometry. J Strength Cond Res. 2006;20:584592. PubMed ID: 16937972

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Hetzler RK, Schroeder BL, Wages JJ, Stickley CD, Kimura IF. Anthropometry increases 1 repetition maximum predictive ability of NFL-225 test for division IA college football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24:14291439. PubMed ID: 20453681 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d682fa

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Norton K, Olds T. Anthropometrica: A Textbook of Body Measurement for Sports and Health Courses. Sidney, Australia: UNSW Press; 1996.

  • 29.

    Wagner LL, Evans SA, Weir JP, Housh TJ, Johnson GO. The effect of grip width on bench press performance. Int J Sport Biomech. 1992;8:110. doi:10.1123/ijsb.8.1.1

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30.

    Cohen J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.; 1988.

  • 31.

    Hopkins WG, Marshall SW, Batterham AM, Hanin J. Progressive statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41:313. PubMed ID: 19092709 doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31818cb278

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32.

    Green CM, Comfort P. The affect of grip width on bench press performance and risk of injury. Strength Cond J. 2017;29:1014. doi:10.1519/00126548-200710000-00001

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33.

    García-Ramos A, Haff G, Pestana-Melero F, et al. Feasibility of the 2-point method for determining the 1-repetition maximum in the bench press exercise. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2018;13:474481. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2017-0374

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34.

    Miller RM, Freitas EDS, Heishman AD, et al. Test-retest reliability between free weight and machine-based movement velocities. J Strength Cond Res2020;34(2):440444. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002817

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 35.

    Torrejón A, Balsalobre-Fernández C, Haff GG, García-Ramos A. The load-velocity profile differs more between men and women than between individuals with different strength levels. Sports Biomech. 2019;18:245255. doi:10.1080/14763141.2018.1433872

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3478 581 32
Full Text Views 75 23 0
PDF Downloads 61 11 0