Peak Power Output and Onset of Muscle Activation During High Pull Exercise.

Barnes, MJ, Petterson, A, and Cochrane, DJ. Peak power output and onset of muscle activation during high pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 675-679, 2021-The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) at which peak power output occurred during the high pull (HP) exercise. In addition, the onset time of the biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus maximus (GM), across a range of loads, was investigated. Twelve resistance-trained men performed 1RM testing for the HP followed by lifts at 10% increments from 30 to 80% 1RM. During each load of power, output was measured using a linear potentiometer, whereas surface electromyography was recorded from the BF and GM. Peak power output occurred at 70% (1881.9 ± 296.1 W); however, there was no significant difference between loads at 60-80% (all p > 0.05). Loads between 40 and 80% 1RM produced significantly higher power outputs than 30% while 80% generated greater power than 100% 1RM (all p < 0.05). There was no significant (p > 0.05) main effect of muscle or load in the onset of BF (156.5-212.1 ms) or GM (112.1-158.1 ms). Therefore, these results suggest that training at a load between 60 and 80% 1RM may be useful in increasing power in the HP. In addition, activation of 2 of the hip extensors occurs in a relatively synchronous order irrespective of load.