Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess whether bench press load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables serving as indicators of maximal theoretical force capacity (L (0)), maximal theoretical velocity capacity (v (0) ), and maximal theoretical power capacity (A(line)), as well as the softball-specific performance metrics (hit and throw distance), could be used to effectively monitor the selective fatigue induced by two different bench press training protocols. METHODS: The bench press L-V relationship variables and softball-specific performance metrics of 12 professional female softball players were measured on three separate occasions: (I) following passive rest (non-fatigue condition), (II) after light-load ballistic bench press throw (LLB), and (III) after heavy-load traditional bench press (HLT). Additionally, blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed after LLB and HLT training protocols. RESULTS: A significantly lower v (0) , A(line) and hit distance were found after both training protocols (p ≤ 0.008), with the LLB protocol revealing a higher fatigue compared with the HLT protocol. However, the change of L-V relationship variables and softball-specific performance metrics (0.15 ≤ ES ≤ 1.05) were not as sensitive as that of blood lactate and RPE (1.30 ≤ ES ≤ 1.78). DISCUSSION: Hence, changes in mechanical performance could be applied as a supplementary monitoring tool to be integrated into athletes' daily routines, but should not be considered replacements for traditional fatigue indicators.