Research
Neural
Heavier loads (80% of 1RM) produce greater mean and matched integrated EMG muscle activation compared to lighter loads (50% of 1RM).
Practitioners should consider using heavier loads to enhance muscle activation during bench press exercises.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
the greater results for mean and iEMG matched in HIGH suggests that heavier loads may produce greater muscle activation.
Why this rating
Based on the study design involving resistance-trained men and EMG measurements.
Source
Upper body muscle activation during low-versus high-load resistance exercise in the bench press
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Isokinetics and Exercise Science · 2016
other · n=12Cited 35×
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