Kinematic analysis of asymmetry after strength training session in paralympic powerlifters

BackgroundPara Powerlifting (PP) is the bench press with a single contest exercise. The rules require symmetry in lifting, but the natural tendency among humans is for asymmetry.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the influence of speed, load intensity, and fatigue of a training session on symmetry, and analyze asymmetries of average speeds between the limbs after a training session.MethodsTwelve male PP athletes (age 28.58 +/- 5.50 years, experience 4.53 +/- 1.27 years, body mass 79.25 +/- 18.82 kg, 1RM 150.42 +/- 42.07 kg, 1RM/BM 1.94 +/- 0.46), had their bench press lifts recorded and downloaded into the Kinovea software. Measures of central tendency, mean +/- standard deviation (SD) and the Shapiro-Wilk test were performed.ResultsThere was a difference in repetition 2, in the dominant limb, between the moment before and after, however, our hypothesis that at higher intensities and in the concentric phase of the exercise it would cause velocity asymmetry between the limbs was not confirmed.ConclusionIt is important to observe the absolute data and carefully evaluate the statistical differences since asymmetries are observed in different sports and are not determinant in sports performance; thus, being acceptable up to a certain level and unfavorable when it exceeds this level, which is individual and intimate to the sports activity.