NON-SPECIFIC EXERCISES AND FEATURES IN THE TRAINING OF ELITE PARALYMPIC POWERLIFTERS

Introduction. Paralympic powerlifting, which focuses on the bench press, poses unique challenges for athletes with lower-limb impairments. These athletes lack the leg drive and stable lower-body support of able-bodied lifters, leading to greater reliance on upper-body musculature and increased spinal stress during training and competition. The aim. This research aimed to develop and implement technical aids and non-specific (supplemental) exercises to enable a harmonious distribution of load, activate stabilizer muscles, and minimize compressive pressure on the musculoskeletal system of elite para-powerlifters. Materials and Methods. A biomechanical experiment was conducted with 24 elite athletes (including Paralympians and able-bodied Olympic-level lifters) to compare the standard bench press versus the RS-supported bench press. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to assess barbell trajectory and calculate spinal compressive forces, while surface electromyography (EMG) measured stabilizer muscle activation. Participants also performed a variety of auxiliary exercises (over 30 variations) with the RS bar to evaluate its versatility, and they provided subjective feedback on stability and comfort. Results. Bench press movements with a standard bar exhibited a diagonally inclined bar path (~4–5° from vertical), necessitating continuous compensatory engagement of stabilizer muscles and contributing to heightened spinal compression. When using the RS bar, the bar path angle was reduced by ~56% (from 4.8° ± 1.2° to 2.1° ± 0.7°, p < 0.05), indicating a more vertical and stable trajectory. The RS device significantly decreased the average peak compressive force on the thoracolumbar spine by approximately 20% (from ~4450 ± 380 N to 3550 ± 290 N, p < 0.01), as confirmed by both dynamic measurements and mathematical modeling. Stabilizer muscle involvement was markedly higher with the RS: EMG monitoring showed a ~35% increase in deep stabilizer muscle activation (58.3 ± 6.7 µV vs 43.2 ± 5.1 µV with standard bar, p < 0.01). On average, 9–11 muscles were actively engaged using RS versus 6–7 with the standard bar. Athletes reported improved perceived stability and reduced spinal pressure when using the RS bar – subjective stability ratings rose by ~42% (8.7 ± 1.0 vs 6.1 ± 1.3 on a 10-point scale, p < 0.01). Additionally, 87% of participants noted a clear reduction in spinal loading sensation with the RS. (5) The RS device expanded the training exercise repertoire, offering over 30 exercise variations (versus ~12–15 with standard setups), thereby allowing greater diversity in training stimuli and minimizing monotony. Conclusions. Incorporating the RS multifunctional bar in elite Paralympic powerlifting training leads to a more even distribution of load and significantly reduces harmful spinal compression. The device enhances neuromuscular engagement of trunk stabilizer muscles and provides greater training variety, which can improve athlete responsiveness and reduce risk of overuse injuries. These outcomes align with contemporary sports science approaches that emphasize core stability, functional strength, and innovative training aids to improve performance and safety. The findings suggest that the RS bar and its associated exercise program can be a valuable addition to the training of Paralympic powerlifters, helping to protect athletes’ musculoskeletal health while maximizing their strength potential.

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