Validity and Reliability of the Isometric Prone Bench Pull Test

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Isometric strength tests are gaining popularity in recent years. However, no study has validated any isometric strength tests to assess upper body pulling ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of isometric prone bench pull. Twenty-three resistance trained athletes (age: 26±4 years, height: 1.75±0.07 m, body mass: 78.6±11.5 kg) were required to perform prone bench pull 1 repetition maximum and isometric prone bench pull tests during the familiarization and actual testing sessions. Isometric prone bench pull was performed at 90° and 120° elbow angles. Peak force and rate of force development measures were highly reliable with intra-correlation coefficient between 0.881–0.987. Peak force obtained from isometric prone bench pull at both elbow angles showed large correlations to prone bench pull 1 repetition maximum (r=0.833–0.858, p&lt;0.01). Linear regression equations to predict 1RM performance from isometric prone bench pull peak force produced an estimated 1RM with a standard error of only 3–6% of the average prone bench pull 1 repetition maximum. The current findings show that isometric prone bench pull is a reliable test and can be used to predict prone bench pull performance.</jats:p>

Sprint Kayaking Performance Enhancement by Isometric Strength Training Inclusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, during the pulling phase, the shoulder joint also performs a forceful extension and internal rotation action by increasing the activation of the latissimus dorsi muscles [26]. Similarly, latissimus dorsi activity is high while performing IsoPull [27]. This explains why there was a significant correlation between the improvement in 200mTT mean power and improvement in PF achieved from IsoPull120.…”

Monitoring Neuromuscular Performance in Military Personnel

“…Isometric strength testing may also be applied to the upper body in assessments for both the push [93,94] and pull [95] musculatures. All the same rules apply for upper body assessments: how the testing is conducted, the instructions provided, and analysis of the force-time curve.…”

“…Some have found 120 and 150 • to be slightly more reliable elbow angles [94], but others have found 90 • to be just as reliable as 120 • , while possessing more relevance to dynamic one repetition maximum performances [93]. Similar elbow angles may be used for an isometric prone pull test where peak force and RFD have been reliable and related to dynamic 1RM performances at 90 • and 120 • elbow angles [95]. Indeed, force plates offer numerous, flexible, reliable testing options in terms of assessing muscular strength.…”

A Comparison between Elite Swimmers and Kayakers on Upper Body Push and Pull Strength and Power Performance

“…In the PR power test, participants laid down on a bench in supine position with the bar racked on their chest and were instructed to push the barbell as explosively as possible until complete extension of the arms. The PU power test was performed as previously described by Lum and Aziz [5]. Briefly, participants were asked to lie prone on a high bench, grasp the barbell with hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart and with elbows fully extended.…”

“…Dryland resistance exercises are widely used to develop training adaptations in athletes competing in various water sports, including swimming, rowing and kayaking [1,2]. Recently, resistance exercises, such as bench press, lateral pull down, pull ups and prone barbell row, have been extensively used to assess upper body pressing and pulling strength and power in recreationally active adults [3], and in different athletic populations including competitive kayakers [4][5][6]. Upper body pressing and pulling maximal strength showed large correlations with flat-water sprint kayak performance in elite athletes [7].…”