Electromyographic study of bench press exercise at different angles of execution

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this was to evaluate of the peak maximum strength, and EMG activation (EMG) in the muscles clavicular portion of pectoralis major (CPPM), sternal portion of pectoralis major (SPPM), and anterior deltoid (AD) in the 3 different angles of the bench press.

Method. They were selected 11 male subjects (23.7 ± 3.2 years, 75.1 ± 12.6 kg, 173.7 cm, 9.8 ± 3.6 % BF), experienced in strength training (2,8 ± 1.5 years, 3.2 ± 0.2 days of the week, 70 ± 8.9 minutes by session). The subjects were submitted to the tests of voluntary contraction maximum isometrics (CVIM), in the horizontal bench press (HBP: 90º), in the inclined bench press (IBP: 45º) and declined bench press (DBP: -30º), being the three evaluations carried out respecting 48 hours of break between the same.

Results. After the evaluations we identify the following results in the CVIM (162.65 ± 18.63 Kgf HPB, 155.02 ± 11.97 Kgf IPB and 163.90 ± 15.77 Kgf DPB) and we identify that do not statistically significant between exercises. When checking the differences recorded EMG to muscle the DA, in the exercises PBI and PBH, PBI and PBD.

Conclusion. The results support, that the 2 portions of the greater pectoral muscle similarly are activated in the different angles of the press of banking, and that the IBP causes a greater activation of DA.