Neuromuscular Control during the Bench Press Exercise Performed with Free Weights and Pneumatic Loading

The main objective of the research was to determine neuromuscular control for different external loads, from 75% to 100% 1 RM (One Rep Max), during the flat bench press (BP) exercise performed with free weights and pneumatic loading. Despite extensive research on the internal structure of the BP exercise, few studies have examined the differences between muscular activity during the flat bench press movement between Free Weights and Pneumatic Loading. For this purpose, 10 male, trained subjects performed the BP exercise under two conditions with three different external loads (70%, 85%, and 100% 1RM), alternately with free weights and pneumatic loading. Pneumatic loading was performed on the Keiser Power Rack, where the pneumatic load was transferred as the resistance of the cables attached to the ground. EMG activity was recorded during the lifts for the following muscles: PM (Pectoralis Major), AD (Anterior Deltoid), Tblat, and TBlong (Triceps Brachii). The EMG signals were sampled at a rate of 1000 Hz. Signals were band-pass filtered with a cutoff frequency of 8 Hz and 450 Hz, after which the root-mean-square (RMS) was calculated. After completion of all the tests in a single day, 2–3 s evaluations of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) of the prime movers in the bench press movement (AD, PM, and TBlong) were performed according to SENIAM procedures. The results of the present study indicate that pneumatic loading provides a significantly different muscle activation pattern compared to a standard bar during a heavy-loaded BP exercise. The pneumatic load was superior in activating the AD and TB muscles compared to the standard bar during the BP exercise.