摘要
Purpose This study compared the effects of offset loading(OSL)versus traditional loading(TDL)in the bench press exercise on pectoral muscle thickness and bench press strength over a 4-week mesocycle.Methods:Twenty male participants aged 18-45 years with at least 5 years of bench press experience and a bench press one-repetition maximum equal to or greater than their body mass were randomly assigned to OSL and TDL groups.Before and after the 4-week mesocycle,pectoral muscle thickness was assessed via ultrasonography and muscle strength was assessed by bench press one-repetition maximum.Effects were explored with two-way mixed ANOVA and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences.Results:No group-by-time interaction was detected for any variable(P>0.05).When compared to small magnitudes,the pectoralis major muscle thickness changes were likely greater in OSL compared to TDL for the dominant(ES=0.70;87%likely greater)and nondominant pectoralis(ES=0.77;91%likely greater)as well as the sum of both pectorals(ES=0.80;92%likely greater).Similarly,a likely greater effect for absolute(ES=0.57;82%likely)and relative(ES=0.67;85%likely)bench press strength was seen with OSL.Conclusion:Magnitude-based inferences interpreted here support the notion that OSL may be an advantageous training modality to enhance pectoral muscle thickness and bench press strength.
