Does the Grip Width Affect the Bench Press Performance of Paralympic Powerlifters?

Abstract

Purpose: To verify the effects of using different grip widths in bench press performance in Paralympic powerlifting athletes. Methods: Twelve experienced Paralympic powerlifting male athletes (25.40 [3.30] y, 70.30 [12.15] kg) participated in the study. Maximal dynamic strength and maximal isometric strength (MIS) were determined. Then, mean propulsive velocity (MPV) using 25%, 50%, and 100% of maximal dynamic strength load and time to achieve 30%, 50%, and 100% of MIS were assessed with 4 different grip widths, specifically the biacromial distance (BAD: 42.83 [12.84] cm), 1.3 BAD (55.68 [16.70] cm), 1.5 BAD (63.20 [18.96] cm), and 81 cm. Electromyographic analysis was performed during MIS assessment in the pectoralis major sternal portion, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii long head, and pectoralis major clavicular portion. Results: Large differences were found between MPV performed with different grip widths using 25% of maximal dynamic strength load (P = .02, ). The 1.5 BAD grip tended to show greater force generation and MPV. Moreover, the time needed to achieve 30%, 50%, and 100% of MIS differed between grip widths (P = .03, ), with the lowest values obtained in the 1.5 BAD. Despite the nonstatistical differences that were found, grip widths caused moderate effects on muscle myoelectric activation, showing greater values for pectoralis major clavicular portion and pectoralis major sternal portion, for the 1.3 BAD and 1.5 BAD, respectively. The 1.5 BAD the grip width tended to show greater MPV values and faster contractile responses. Conclusions: These results highlighted the importance of choosing the specific grip width for improvement of performance in Paralympic powerlifting athletes, by increasing velocity of movement and force production in a shorter time, with greater activation of primary muscles.

Static and Dynamic Strength Indicators in Paralympic Power-Lifters with and without Spinal Cord Injury

“…The number of athletes in the sport has increased, and the results have been increasingly prominent [ 12 , 13 ]. Studies have focused more on the issue of health in relation to the etiology and prevention of injuries [ 14 ], recovery methods [ 15 ], warm-up [ 16 ], or even the width of the catch in sport [ 17 ]. On the other hand, when evaluating the PP, where the legs are extended on the bench, the SCI tends to reduce the transfer of strength for lifting in the adapted bench press [ 18 ].…”

Evaluation of Strength and Muscle Activation Indicators in Sticking Point Region of National-Level Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes

“…On the other hand, when evaluating the PP, where the legs are extended on the bench during the execution of the movement, situations such as the width of the grip on the bar [ 8 ] have been evaluated; however, a hypothesis that has been ignored is that a Paralympian’s transfer of force could be impaired making it difficult to maintain strength, power, and velocity and impairing the performance of neuromotor skills needed for lifting [ 1 , 9 ]. Thus, we raised the hypothesis, that due to the lifting position, with the lower limbs on the bench, and the physical deficiencies, which tend to compromise stabilization during the lifting, that the sticking point could be altered in these para-athletes.…”

How Can Biomechanics Improve Physical Preparation and Performance in Paralympic Athletes? A Narrative Review

“…Two Paralympic sports utilize a horizontal body position, Paralympic Powerlifting and Paralympic Swimming. Paralympic Powerlifting consists of the adapted bench press, with minimal research available outside recommendations for grip width improving muscle recruitment and activation [ 57 ], and potentially reducing risk of injury [ 58 ]. This is contrary to the Para-swimming literature, which has accumulated a number of timely and relevant articles published since 2016 to evaluate.…”