Enhancement of peak and mean power in concentric phase of resistance exercises.

The study compares the differences in peak and mean power of concentric-only and countermovement resistance exercises (ΔP) with different weights. A group of 27 fit men randomly performed 3 repetitions of either barbell bench presses or barbell squats on different days. The initial weight of 20 kg was increased by 10 or 5 kg (at higher loads) up to at least 85% of a previously established 1 repetition maximum (1RM).