EFFECTS OF THE BENCH SHIRT ON SAGITTAL BAR PATH

Abstract

Powerlifting, like many sports, uses performance-enhancing equipment. The purpose of this study was to explore whether wearing a bench shirt would alter the natural mechanics of the bench press. Participants (n=5) completed two bench press tests; the first was raw (no shirt), while the second utilized the bench shirt. Vertical bar path ranges were significantly smaller in the shirted condition compared to the raw condition. Significant differences were found between the optimal and observed values while benching during the raw condition, but no significant differences were found in the shirted condition. Assuming a straight line bar path is optimal, findings suggest the bench shirt may provide a more efficient bar path, improving load capability and decreasing the forces that act on the shoulder and thus the likelihood of injury.