Effect of bench press using maximal and submaximal loads on the Sticking Region

The aim of this study was to analyze the Sticking Region at submaximal (70%, 80%, 90% until failure) and maximal (1RM) loads in the concentric phase during bench press. Eleven male individuals participated in the study (age: 22.73 2.57 years, body mass: 80.2 6.9 kg, height: 179.6 7.4 cm, 1RM: 94.55 11.56 kg) with at least two years of bench press training experience. In our sample, The Sticking Region could only be observed with 90% and 100% 1RM loads. The velocity results showed significant differences in 1RM (p 0.001) and in 90% (p = 0.014) during the three phases (Pre-Sticking, Sticking Region and Post-Sticking zones). Differences in the electromyographic activity of the triceps brachii were found only between the Pre-Sticking Region and the Sticking Region and between the Pre-Sticking Region and the Post-Sticking Region at 1RM. The activity between the Sticking Region and Post-Sticking Region at 90% and 1RM did not differ significantly. This study suggests that the Sticking Region is more visible with maximum loads (1RM) due to a weak mechanical position.