The ‘Slingshot’ can enhance volume-loads during performance of bench press using unaided maximal loads

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether using the Slingshot will enable participants to perform a greater volume-load during bench press repetitions with a maximal load and increase set volume-load compared to an unaided condition. Summary of Background Data:Literature suggests that increased volume-loads during training may aid in improving strength, and further maximises mechanical tension and metabolic stress potentially leading to increased hypertrophy. It has been suggested that a new piece of equipment, called the Slingshot could be used in training to improve performance in the bench press by enabling individuals to increase their training volume whilst using maximal loads.Method: Nine trained male participants volunteered to participate. Each participant performed a bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) test before completing repetitions to momentary failure using the Slingshot one week later. Volume-load for each condition was calculated as repetitions (n) × load (kg).Results: A paired samples t-Test comparing between conditions revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001) between volume loads performed unaided (96.1 ± 14.6 kg) and with the Slingshot (350 ± 103.7 kg). Conclusion:Using the slingshot in training does allow individuals to perform greater volume-loads with a maximal load; however longitudinal research must be conducted to ascertain the magnitude of any potential benefit from using it.(Journal of Trainology 2017;6:47-51)

Impact of the “Sling Shot” Supportive Device on Upper-Body Neuromuscular Activity during the Bench Press Exercise

“…Moreover, the SS absorbs part of the external load by providing additional elastic enhancement, which reduces muscle tension. However, at the same time, the use of the SS during the bench press exercise allows for overcoming greater loads than without the use of this supportive device [ 20 , 21 , 23 ]. The authors suggest the possibility of a mechanically favorable position of the elbows and a shift of the sticking point as a possible explanation of this phenomenon [ 23 ].…”

“…The authors suggest the possibility of a mechanically favorable position of the elbows and a shift of the sticking point as a possible explanation of this phenomenon [ 23 ]. Furthermore, research suggests that using the SS in training allows athletes to perform a greater volume of work, which may contribute to greater strength outcomes [ 21 ].…”

“…Considering the construction and usage of bench press shirts, the mechanisms mentioned above can be equally effective using the SS. This device allows utilization of the elastic recoil effect, which is used by athletes to overcome greater loads or to perform more repetitions at a certain load [ 20 , 21 ]. Furthermore, the SS device may be an effective tool for reducing muscle activity and increasing stability, which may allow training through a full range of motion during minor injuries and support the rehabilitation process, ensuring a faster return to full load bench press training [ 8 , 22 ].…”

“…To the authors’ knowledge, there are only two studies investigating the impact of the SS on bench press performance and sEMG [ 20 , 23 ]. However, recent studies have focused on analyzing loads of 100% 1RM or greater [ 23 ] on multiple repetitions under significant fatigue [ 20 , 21 ]. We attempted to examine the acute effects of the SS during the bench press on the neuromuscular activity of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, and triceps brachii to evaluate how they differ depending on the external load applied.…”

Training with an elastic, supportive bench press device is not superior to a conventional training approach in trained men

“…Many athletes aim to improve their 1-RM BP through resistance training (RT) for a variety of reasons. For this purpose, athletes use a broad range of RT methods, such as the use of unstable loads (Ostrowski, Carlson, & Lawrence, 2017) or surfaces (Saeterbakken & Fimland, 2013), chains (Godwin, Fernandes, & Twist, 2018), rubber bands (García-López et al, 2016), and elastic, supportive bench press devices (EBD) (Dugdale, Hunter, Di Virgilio, Macgregor, & Hamilton, 2019;Niblock & Steele, 2017;Ye et al, 2014). EBD are sold under names such as "Sling Shot ® " (Sacramento, CA, USA) or "Hooke Strap" (Alpen, Germany).…”