Optimal load for the muscle power profile of prone bench pull in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes

Background

No studies were observed optimal intensity loads for the muscle power performance during prone bench pull exercise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes (BJJ) and this exercise is more similar with grip technics.

Purpose

To identify the optimal intensity for the muscle power performance variables during PBP exercise in BJJ athletes.

Methods

Fifteen athletes (25.5 ± 4.9 years; 65.6 ± 12.2 kg; 177.5 ± 4.7 cm) performed PBP at 30, 40, 50 and 60% of one repetition maximum (1RM) in a random order. The mean power (MP), mean velocity (MV), mean propulsive power (MPP) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) were determined by measuring the barbell displacement by a linear encoder.

Results

In all power performance variables, higher power output was observed at 40 and 50% 1RM when compared to 30 and 60% 1RM (MP: F = 29.07; p < 0.001; MV: F = 40.80; p < 0.001; MPP: F = 53.69; p = 0.003; MPV: F = 166.2; p > 0.001). Additionally, it was observed higher MPP at 50% 1RM when compared to 40% 1RM (F = 55.23; p < 0.001). The polynomial adjustment indicated that the optimal intensity load for producing highest power performance ranged from 45 to 50% 1RM (R ² = 0.938–0.989) across all variables.

Conclusion

The loads between 45 and 50% 1RM produced the optimal muscle power performance during PBP exercise in BJJ athletes.