The Effect of Neoprene Elbow Sleeves on Bench Press and Shoulder Press Performance

Authors

  • Håkon Andre Mehus Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University, Bodø, Norway; Department of Physical Education, Faculty or Arts and Physical Education, Volda University College, Volda, Norway
  • Martin Stamnes Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
  • Magnus Olderkjær Larsen Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
  • Olav Melhus Gomo Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University, Bodø, Norway; Norwegian Powerlifting Association, Norway
  • Runar Jakobsen Unhjem Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University, Bodø, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v5i1.476

Keywords:

Bench press, Shoulder press, Muscular performance, Ergogenic tool, Resistance training, SBD

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of neoprene elbow sleeves on performance in bench press and shoulder press.

Methods: Nineteen resistance trained males and one female (24 ± 4 years; 181 ± 8 cm; 83 ± 11kg) visited the laboratory on four occasions. Participants were randomly assigned in a crossover and counterbalanced design to one of two conditions: with SBD neoprene elbow sleeves and without sleeves. During each visit, participants completed one repetition maximum (1RM) followed by ‘as many repetitions as possible’ (AMRAP) to concentric failure at 85% of 1RM. Test day one and three were bench press; test day two and four were shoulder press.

Results: 1RM bench press was higher with sleeves than without sleeves (104.8 ± 17.7 kg vs. 103.2 ± 18.7 kg, p = 0.015). Bench press AMRAP was higher with sleeves than without sleeves (5.2 ± 1.4 vs. 4.1 ± 2.0, p = 0.006). 1RM shoulder press was higher with sleeves than without sleeves (66.0 ± 13.9 vs. 64.0 ± 13.7, p = 0.008). Shoulder press AMRAP was higher with sleeves than without sleeves (5.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in mean or peak barbell velocity between conditions (p >0.05). 

Conclusion: Neoprene elbow sleeves improved 1RM and AMRAP in bench press and shoulder press, but not barbell velocity.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Downloads

Published

2025-11-07

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): International Journal of Strength and Conditioning

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Håkon Andre Mehus, Martin Stamnes, Magnus Olderkjær Larsen, Olav Melhus Gomo, Runar Jakobsen Unhjem

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright of their work, granting IJSC a license to publish and distribute. All articles are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. We clearly state any fees associated with submissions or access for readers. For copyright or licensing queries, stakeholders can reach out to journal@iusca.org.

How to Cite

Mehus, Håkon Andre, Martin Stamnes, Magnus Olderkjær Larsen, Olav Melhus Gomo, and Runar Jakobsen Unhjem. 2025. “The Effect of Neoprene Elbow Sleeves on Bench Press and Shoulder Press Performance”. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning 5 (1). https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v5i1.476.