Background: The tempo of resistance exercises is known to influence performance outcomes, yet its specific effects on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fast versus slow repetitions at a load of 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press exercise, focusing on velocity, surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity, and applied force while equating time under tension on bench press throw performance. Methods: Eleven men (age: 23.5 ± 5.4 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.04 m, body mass: 79.1 ± 6.4 kg, maximum strength 1-RM: 91.0 ± 12.0 kg) participated. Two experimental conditions (FAST and SLOW) and one control (CTRL) were randomly assigned. Participants performed two sets of six repetitions as fast as possible (FAST condition) and two sets of three repetitions at a controlled tempo (SLOW condition) at half the concentric velocity of FAST, as determined in a preliminary session. Before and after the bench press participants performed bench press throws tests (Pre, 45 s, 4, 8, and 12 min after). Results: sEMG activity and peak force during the bench press were higher in FAST vs. SLOW conditioning activity (p < 0.001), with time under tension showing no significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during the bench press throw improved equally in both FAST and SLOW conditions compared with baseline from the 4th to the 12th min of recovery (FAST: +6.8 ± 2.9% to +7.2 ± 3.3%, p < 0.01, SLOW: +4.0 ± 3.0% to +3.6 ± 4.5%, p < 0.01, respectively). Compared to the CTRL, both conditions exhibited improved MPV values from the 4th to 12th min (p < 0.01). Peak velocity improvements were observed only after the FAST condition compared to the baseline (p < 0.01) with no differences from SLOW. For all muscles involved and time points, sEMG activity during bench press throws was higher than CTRL in both experimental conditions (p < 0.01), with no differences between FAST and SLOW. Peak force increased in both FAST and SLOW conditions at all time points (p < 0.05), compared to CTRL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that post-activation performance enhancement is independent of movement tempo, provided that the resistive load and total time under tension of the conditioning activity are similar. This study provides valuable insights into the complex training method for athletes by demonstrating that varying tempo does not significantly affect post-activation performance enhancement when load and TUT are equated.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the association between the five-factor personality model (FFM), physical fitness, and physical activity (PA), and the effect of firefighting skills training on physical condition in firefighter recruits. Methods: Data on 58 newly-recruited firefighters from the CELSPAC–FIREexpo human biomonitoring study were used. The sampling protocol was structured in the entry phase testing on the 5th week of training, and final testing on the 10th week of training. During the testing, participants filled out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, and underwent analysis of body composition using Dual energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), a physical work capacity test (PWC 170), a muscular strength test (one repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) and squat (1RM S)) and the measurement of body weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI). Associations between study parameters were determined using the Spearman correlation. Results: Extraversion (E) was positively associated with time spent in vigorous physical activity (VPA) and Openness to Experience (O) was negatively associated with time spent sitting. Openness to Experience was also positively associated with BMI and lean mass differences between entry and output measurements. Furthermore, 1 RM S significantly increased during the training program. Conclusion: The observed association between personality from FFM and PA levels in the present study was lower than in the general population reported by other studies. The positive association between E and VPA suggests that using FFM and the relationship between personality and physical fitness as one of the criteria for the selection of suitable recruits may be beneficial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single bench press (BP) vs. leg press (LP) resistance training sessions on testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP) interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, and creatine kinase (CK) activity in strength-trained males. Eleven strength-trained males participated in a cross-over randomized trial, undergoing two experimental sessions each consisting of five sets of the BP or the LP exercise to volitional failure with a load corresponding to 50% of one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were taken at baseline (BA), immediately post (POST), and 1 h after the cessation of exercise (POST-1). A significant increase in IL-6 concentration from BA to POST-1 was observed during the LP condition (p = 0.004; effect size [ES] = 0.64). Additionally, a significant main effect of time was found for increasing testosterone concentrations from BA to POST exercise (p = 0.014; ES = 0.25). A significantly lower cortisol concentration at POST-1 compared to POST (p = 0.001; ES = 1.02) was noted in the BP condition. Furthermore, a significantly lower cortisol concentration was found at POST-1 in the BP compared to the LP condition (p = 0.022; ES = 1.3). A significant increase in CK activity was reported from BA to POST (p = 0.024; ES = 0.69) and POST-1 (p = 0.045; ES = 0.55) during the LP condition, and from BA to POST-1 (p = 0.014; ES = 0.96) during the BP condition. No significant differences were found in the CRP (p = 0.659) and TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.487). These results suggest that the amount of muscle mass engaged during the resistance exercise may influence the changes in IL-6 and cortisol concentrations. Larger muscle groups, as engaged in the LP, more likely lead to elevated concentrations of IL-6 myokine.

• MeSH
• C-Reactive Protein metabolism   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Hydrocortisone * blood   MeSH
• Interleukin-6 * blood   MeSH
• Cross-Over Studies MeSH
• Creatine Kinase blood   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Resistance Training * MeSH
• Testosterone * blood   MeSH
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha * blood   MeSH
• Inflammation blood   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

BACKGROUND: Maintaining mobility is fundamental to active aging, allowing older adults to lead dynamic and independent lives. The perception of mobility among older adults significantly impacts their overall well-being and quality of life. Given the aging population, mobility has become an increasingly pressing issue. AIM: This study focused on the perception of urban neighborhoods, including considerations of urban tissue (crossings and sidewalk maintenance), urban scenes (benches and traffic), and safety (fears and street lighting quality). We investigated the differences in the perception of the surroundings of residences by urban and rural seniors concerning their demographic and social characteristics and environmental determinants. METHODS: A quantitative study design utilizing a questionnaire survey was employed. Data were collected mainly through face-to-face interviews in the field (PAPI) and via an online questionnaire (CAWI). The final sample comprised 525 participants. Hypotheses regarding the influence of gender, age, social status, level of physical activity, degree of urbanization, and region on environmental perception were tested using ordinal regression. RESULTS: The hypothesis regarding the dependence of the perception of the surroundings on the level of urbanization was confirmed; that regarding the dependence of the perception of the residence surroundings on seniors' age was not confirmed. The other hypotheses were partially confirmed. For the seven investigated environmental attributes, gender was significant in two cases, social status and physical activity in three cases, and region in four cases. CONCLUSION: While most studies have focused on urban settings, this study highlights the situation in rural municipalities. Substantially worse pedestrian conditions in availability of pedestrian crossings, benches, and lighting were recognized in rural municipalities versus cities. Understanding the complexity of mobility and the spatial locations relevant for older persons concerning potential barriers and facilitators for mobility aids in planning and adapting neighborhood environments to promote active and healthy aging in place.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This study aimed to compare the effect of three interset rest intervals (1, 3, and 5 minutes) on (I) mean velocity during a resistance training session conducted in a Smith machine with the squat and bench press exercises, and (II) the pre- and post-exercise force-velocity relationship. Fifteen male university students completed three sessions (i.e., Rest 1', Rest 3', and Rest 5') consisting of three sets of five repetitions against the 10RM load during the squat and bench press exercises. The force-velocity relationship (maximal values of force [F0], velocity [v0], and power [Pmax]) was evaluated at the beginning and at the end of each session with the countermovement jump and bench press throw exercises. During training, mean velocity was slower in sets 2 and 3 of the Rest 1' protocol compared to Rest 3' and Rest 5', but no significant differences were present between Rest 3' and Rest 5'. After training, there was a significant decrease in F0 (p = 0.017) and Pmax (p = 0.010), but not in v0 (p = 0.259). These results support the Rest 3' as the most time-efficient protocol, among those analysed, for the maintenance of high mean velocities during training sessions not leading to failure.

• MeSH
• Biomechanical Phenomena MeSH
• Exercise MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Resistance Training * methods   MeSH
• Muscle Strength MeSH
• Weight Lifting MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of ischemia used during the rest periods between successive sets on maximal number of performed repetitions, time under tension and bar velocity during the bench press exercise. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirteen healthy resistance trained men volunteered for the study (age = 28.5 ± 7.1 years; body mass = 87.2 ± 8.6 kg; bench press 1RM = 143.1 ± 20.7 kg; training experience = 11.0 ± 6.9 years). In experimental protocol the subjects performed 5 sets of bench press exercise at 70%1RM with maximal number of repetitions in each and with 5 minutes rest periods between each set. During the ischemia condition occlusion with 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was applied using a 10 cm wide cuff, before the first set of the bench press exercise and during all rest periods between sets (for 4.5 minute). During the control condition no ischemia was applied. RESULTS: The two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction effect for time under tension (p = 0.022; η2 = 0.20). However, the results did not show a statistically significant interaction effect for peak bar velocity (p = 0.28; η2 = 0.10) mean bar velocity (p = 0.38; η2 = 0.08), and for number of performed repetitions (p = 0.28; η2 = 0.09). The post hoc analysis for interaction showed significantly shorter time under tension for ischemia condition compared to control in set 1 (p < 0.01). The post hoc analysis for main effect of condition revealed that time under tension was significantly shorter for ischemia compared to control condition (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that ischemia intra-conditioning does not increase strength-endurance performance as well as bar velocity during bench press exercise performed to muscle failure.

• MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• Exercise MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal * physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Nutritional Status MeSH
• Rest physiology   MeSH
• Resistance Training * MeSH
• Muscle Strength MeSH
• Weight Lifting physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the acute effect of agonist and antagonist conditioning activities (CA) on medicine ball throw performance among female softball players. METHODS: Thirteen national-level female softball players (age 22.2 ± 3.1 years; body mass 68.3 ± 11.3 kg; softball experience 7.3 ± 2.4 years) performed 3 medicine ball chest throws before conditioning activity (CA) and after CA respectively in 3rd, 6th, and 9th minute. CA was the bench press and bent-over barbell row with 2 sets of 4 repetitions at 60% and 80% of one-repetition maximum, and 2 sets of 4 repetition bodyweight push up. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA revealed an increase in throwing distance (p < 0.001) after bent over barbell row and push-up exercise, and an increase in throwing speed (p < 0.001) after bench press and push-up. All performance increases were in moderate effect size (Cohen d 0.33-0.41), and no differences were found between the experimental CA. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that upper body throwing performance is similar after antagonist exercise and agonist CA, both agonist and antagonist CA increase muscle power. In the resistance training practice, we recommend the interchange of agonist and antagonist CA using bodyweight push-up or submaximal intensity (80% of 1RM) bench press and bent over barbell row to succeed post-activation performance enhancement in upper limbs.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Still rings are a unique gymnastics apparatus allowing for a combination of dynamic and static elements in a specific technique. This review aimed to compile the dynamic, kinematic, and EMG characteristics of swing, dismount, handstand, strength, and hold elements on still rings. This systematic review was conducted in concordance with PRISMA in PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In total, 37 studies were included, describing the strength and hold elements, the kip and swing elements, swing through or to handstand, and dismounts. The current evidence suggests that the execution of gymnastics elements on still rings and training drills requires a high training load. Specific preconditioning exercises could be used to train for the Swallow, iron cross, and support scale. Negative impacts of load during hold elements can be reduced by special support devices such as the Herdos or support belts. Another aspect is improving strength prerequisites by exercises such as bench presses, barbell exercises, and support belts, where the main focus should be on muscular coordination similar to the other considerable elements. Electromyography is an appropriate tool for the investigation of muscular coordination and force platforms for assessing a sufficient strength level to successfully perform elements on still rings.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Poranění m. pectoralis major (MPM) patří mezi vzácná svalová poranění. Malá zkušenost a neznalost problematiky tak vede často k přehlédnutí či chybně vedené léčbě. K poranění dochází nejčastěji nepřímým mechanismem při silových sportech, typicky při benchpressu. Z klinického vyšetření je typická porucha přední axilární řasy a přítomný hematom. Po odeznění otoku dále defigurace s medializací svalového bříška. Ze zobrazovacích metod je nejpřínosnější MR vyšetření s důrazem na správně zvolený protokol. Podle Cordascovy klasifikace rozlišujeme distenze, izolované a kompletní ruptury MPM. Nejčastější lokalizací ruptury je oblast muskulo-tendinozní junkce a inzerce. Operační léčba je indikována u izolované kompletní ruptury jedné porce a kompletní ruptury obou porcí m. pectoralis major, především u mladých aktivních pacientů s vysokými funkčními nároky. Operační výkon je vhodné provádět akutně, maximálně do 6 týdnů, kdy lze očekávat nejlepší výsledky. Nejčastější operační technikou je reinzerce svalu pomocí implantátů nebo přímá sutura. U chronických ruptur je pro retrakci svalu často nutné provést rekonstrukční výkon s použitím šlachového štěpu. Výsledky rekonstrukcí jsou dobré, avšak horší než u časného ošetření.

Injuries of pectoralis major (PM) muscle are among rare muscle injuries. Due to the lack of experience and knowledge in this field, they are often missed or improperly treated. Most often they are caused by an indirect mechanism, during strength sports, typically using the bench press. In clinical terms, they are typically characterized by specific disorder of the anterior axillary fold and a hematoma and, after subsidence of the swelling, disfiguration with medial retraction of the muscle belly. The most beneficial imaging method to examine these injuries is MRI with an emphasis on a properly set protocol. According to the Cordasco classification, they are categorized as PM distensions, isolated and complete ruptures. Ruptures involve most frequently the musculotendinous junction and tendon insertion. Operative treatment is indicated in isolated complete ruptures of one portion and complete ruptures of both portions of the pectoralis major tendon, predominantly in young active patients with high functional demands. Surgery should be preferably performed without delay, within no more than 6 weeks, in order to ensure the best results. The most common operative technique is reinsertion of the muscle by means of implants or direct suture. In chronic ruptures, it is often necessary to perform a reconstruction with a tendon graft. The results are good, although worse as compared to an early treatment.

• Keywords
• Cordascova klasifikace, Bakova kritéria, kortikální knoflík,
• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Tendon Injuries * diagnosis   classification   therapy   MeSH
• Pectoralis Muscles * injuries   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

Targeted muscle strengthening might improve performance or help overcome training stagnation; therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate changes in muscle activity patterns before and after six weeks of targeted resistance training. Twenty-seven resistance-trained men were divided into three groups according to their prime mover activity, as measured by surface electromyography during a bench press (BP). Each group underwent a six-week block of targeted exercises for one of the following muscles: anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major (PM) or triceps brachii (TB). ANOVA showed that each group increased their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (p < 0.05) and the activity of the exercised muscle group during an isometric bench press (p < 0.01) and during a dynamic bench press (p < 0.01) at 85% of the 1RM. During the isometric BP, the TB training group had an increase in TB activity in comparison to the other groups. Targeted muscle training is a useful method for muscle activity increase and increasing the maximum strength in complex exercise, when applied in activity-deficient muscle groups. Strengthening the TB elicits changes in all prime movers and results in TB activity domination during a bench press.

• MeSH
• Biomechanical Phenomena MeSH
• Electromyography MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Resistance Training * methods   MeSH
• Muscle Strength physiology   MeSH
• Weight Lifting physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH