Variations in mean propulsive velocity responses during bench press exercise across different inter-set rest intervals

The percentage loss of speed is used in individualized control of set volume to mitigate unwanted fatigue. However, the effect of this monitoring on mechanical fatigue in the face of different inter-set recovery intervals is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during a bench press exercise session performed at maximal intentional velocity across different inter-set rest intervals (1, 2 and 3 minutes).

Fifteen individuals performing three sets of bench press with rest intervals of 1, 2, and 3 min between sets. Bench press was performed at 75% of 1 RM (repetition maximum), estimated from a load-velocity profile. MPV was measured using a linear position transducer (Encoder®).

Main results showed that MPV decreased among all three sets for 1 min interval and from set 1 to set 3 for 2 min interval. Only the 3 min rest interval allowed complete recovery of MPV between sets (i.e., no differences of MPV among sets).

Therefore, professionals should consider at least a 3 min rest interval when performing 3 sets or 2 min when performing 2 sets to maintain movement velocity and effectively mitigate fatigue.