The influence of calculation method and relative strength on the load-velocity relationship in bench press exercise

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was: (1) to compare the effect of the calculation method using average (Avalue), and best value (Bvalue) of Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV) on the Load Velocity Profile (LV_profile) during the barbell bench press exercise in elite handball players. In addition, (2) to analyze the relationship between the individual coefficient of variation (CV_ind) of an incremental load protocol in the bench press exercise with relative strength (F_rel) in professional handball players.

Methods

Nineteen elite international handball players (age 18 [±1] y; body mass 93 [±14] kg; height 191 [±6] cm) performed an incremental test during the barbell bench press exercise. General and individual LV_profile, F_rel, and CV_ind were modelled through MPV and two calculation models (Avalue_, vs Bvalue).

Results

There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between both conditions (Bvalue vs. Avalue). There was an inverse relationship between the F_rel and the CV_ind (r = −0.66, p < 0.001). When CV_ind was >10% significant differences were found between the two calculations method (Avalue_, vs Bvalue). However, no significant differences were found between Avalue_, vs Bvalue when the CV_ind was <10%.

Conclusions

The calculation method used to assess the barbell bench press LV_profile impacts the nature of the relationship. Regardless CV_ind values, Avalue is a good choice to determine the LV_profile when the CV_ind is >10%, if the CV_ind is <10%, Bvalue will be the better option to determine the LV_profile.