30 Seconds SummaryIs Regional Hypertrophy Predictable?
- The study measured the EMG (muscle activity) and muscle swelling (thickness and cross-sectional area) of the upper and mid chest in response to flat and incline bench pressing.
- Previous research suggested incline benching increases upper chest hypertrophy more than flat benching, but this study found that muscle swelling responses do not fully align with past longitudinal hypertrophy data.
- EMG results showed higher activity in the upper chest during incline bench and higher activity in the mid chest during flat bench.
- Muscle swelling significantly increased more in the mid chest compared to the upper chest after flat benching, while incline benching did not show the same pattern.
- The article highlights that acute muscle responses (EMG and swelling) measured immediately after exercises might not reliably predict long-term hypertrophy.
- Differences in regional hypertrophy from varying bench angles might reflect more complex influences than just acute exercise responses, possibly including individual biomechanics and previous training history.
- Further research is needed to establish more accurate predictive measures of hypertrophy and to validate whether acute muscle responses are indicative of long-term growth.
Stronger By Science
Eric Helms
