Methods: Data Collection
In this project we examined the performance standpoint of the bench press on a trained female college student. We measured the bench press from a performance standpoint of a 1RM max to state that maximal performance will be achieved from a high velocity and high acceleration of the bar. This will also relate to greater momentum to be able to move the bar more efficiently.
To collect our data we had to use a camera and measuring tape to get results in order to find how long it took the subject to perform each phase and how far the bar went throughout the duration of each phase. The phases that were examined were acceleration, sticking point region, maximum strength, and deceleration. In the Wellness Clinic at Ithaca College we set up a camera and had the bench press machine squared into the plane of motion with an appropriate zoom. While the subject performed her 1RM max the camera recorded the exercise into the computer software system Streamview to capture it at a certain speed. Then we converted the recording to Kinovea to record time and displacement.
The motion of the bench press is quick, so the frame speed of the camera was set to 60 frames per second in order to be able to slow down the frame speed. Multiple trials were conducted until one max bench press showed all four phases that we were evaluating. Once we conducted the best one we took the information to Kinovea. In Kinovea we tracked the time and calibrated the frame setting to meet the frame speed used with the camera to ensure accurate time. We tracked the amount of time that it took to accelerate, at what point the sticking region and maximum strength occurred, and how long it took to decelerate. We then measured in Kinovea the distance within each phase by measuring the length (in meters) the center of the bar while the subjects arms are fully extended, to the point at which the bar is lowered to her chest. Through this we were able to set the distance point in Kinovea and receive adequate numbers.
Data collected from Kinovea was then documented into an excel spreadsheet where time, velocity, and acceleration were calculated and put into a table and figure as seen in the results page.
To collect our data we had to use a camera and measuring tape to get results in order to find how long it took the subject to perform each phase and how far the bar went throughout the duration of each phase. The phases that were examined were acceleration, sticking point region, maximum strength, and deceleration. In the Wellness Clinic at Ithaca College we set up a camera and had the bench press machine squared into the plane of motion with an appropriate zoom. While the subject performed her 1RM max the camera recorded the exercise into the computer software system Streamview to capture it at a certain speed. Then we converted the recording to Kinovea to record time and displacement.
The motion of the bench press is quick, so the frame speed of the camera was set to 60 frames per second in order to be able to slow down the frame speed. Multiple trials were conducted until one max bench press showed all four phases that we were evaluating. Once we conducted the best one we took the information to Kinovea. In Kinovea we tracked the time and calibrated the frame setting to meet the frame speed used with the camera to ensure accurate time. We tracked the amount of time that it took to accelerate, at what point the sticking region and maximum strength occurred, and how long it took to decelerate. We then measured in Kinovea the distance within each phase by measuring the length (in meters) the center of the bar while the subjects arms are fully extended, to the point at which the bar is lowered to her chest. Through this we were able to set the distance point in Kinovea and receive adequate numbers.
Data collected from Kinovea was then documented into an excel spreadsheet where time, velocity, and acceleration were calculated and put into a table and figure as seen in the results page.