The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a ballistic or non-ballistic concentric-only bench press (COBP) on subsequent plyometric push-up performance. Fourteen resistance trained men completed two separate one-repetition-maximum (1RM) testing sessions followed by three randomized experimental explosive push-up sessions. These sessions combined a heavy concentric bench press with plyometric push-ups. Using a series of 3 x 10 (condition x time) repeated measures ANOVA, comparisons were made between the effects of ballistic and non-ballistic bench presses on performance of plyometric push-ups to investigate push-up performance variables. Compared with the control condition, both ballistic and non-ballistic bench presses produced lower net impulse and take-off velocity data. No differences were found between ballistic and non-ballistic conditions comparing net impulse and take-off velocity. We conclude that the magnitude of loading used in the current investigation may have caused acute fatigue which led to lower push-up performance characteristics. This information can be used to alter loading protocols when designing complexes for the upper body, combining the bench press and plyometric push-ups. Keywords: bench press; ballistic; push-up; post-activation potentiation 1. Introduction A key performance outcome of a strength and conditioning program is the development of muscular power [1]. Power is derived from the intersection of force and velocity, both of which are modifiable in a resistance training plan. Many methods exist for the development of muscular power, which involve traditional resistance training, weightlifting movements, and plyometrics [2,3]. Another commonly used method of developing power is termed complex training. The goal of complex training is to pair biomechanically similar exercises in a sequence to take advantage of acute post-activation potentiation and increase the performance of subsequent movements [4,5]. For example, a number of studies have used squatting variations to enhance subsequent countermovement jump performance [6,7], while a number of upper-body protocols have been used to enhance ballistic throwing performance [8-10]. Regarding lower-body potentiation, several studies have demonstrated enhanced countermovement jump performance at various rest intervals [11-13], while other studies did not see improvements in performance [14,15]. Mixed results have also been displayed with upper-body potentiation protocols, with some studies showing an acute improvement in performance [8-10,16] and others showing no improvement or a decrement in performance [17,18].
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