Acute effects of elastic bands on the barbell kinematics and sticking region in the bench press exercise

Abstract

This study analyzed the effect of elastic bands on the sticking region (SR) in the bench press within a velocity-based training approach. We sought to: (a) investigate the characteristics of the SR in sets to failure with three loads (60%, 70%, 80% 1RM) and three configurations using different contributions of elastic band tension to total resistance: 0%, 25%, and 50% (B0, B25, B50); (b) study the kinematic characteristics of the pre-sticking, sticking, and post-sticking regions; (c) analyze the differences regarding loads and bands contribution; and (d) study intersubject and intrasubject variability across loads and configurations. After determining the individual 1RM, 25 subjects completed 2 rounds of sets to failure against their 60, 70, and 80% 1RM with B0, B25, and B50 in the bench press. Elastic bands resulted in (p < 0.05 all) lower repetition times and increased SR duration across all loads. The SR occurred at a higher point of the range of motion with elastic bands. The first peak velocity increased with bands contribution (p < 0.05), while no differences were observed in the minimum and second peak velocities. It was concluded that adding elastic bands in the load configuration in the bench press alters barbell kinematics and SR characteristics.