Muscle Activation and Volume Load Across Smith Machine, Barbell, and Dumbbell Bench Press Over Multiple Sets
Farias DA, Willardson JM, Paz GA, Bezerra ES, Miranda H
Evidence is still limited and needs further study
Summary
An acute crossover study in 19 resistance-trained men performing 4 sets of 10-RM bench press (Smith machine, barbell, or dumbbell) immediately followed by triceps extension, comparing muscle activation (EMG) and total repetitions/volume load. Pectoralis major activation was significantly higher in the dumbbell condition than the barbell condition, and total repetitions/volume load also differed between conditions.
Key findings
- 1
19 resistance-trained men performed 4 sets of 10-RM bench press across Smith machine, barbell, and dumbbell conditions, immediately followed by triceps extension (crossover design)
- 2
Pectoralis major activation was significantly higher in the dumbbell condition than the barbell condition
- 3
Total repetitions and volume load differed between conditions, indicating equipment choice affects set management and fatigue accumulation
- 4
As a single acute study, it does not directly demonstrate long-term differences in hypertrophy
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