Relationship Between Bench Press and Iron Cross Maximal Isometric Contraction—How to Develop the Strength to Perform the Iron Cross on Rings

Abstract

The last code of point ruling international artistic gymnastic competitions took another step toward the necessity of strength difficulty on rings. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between bench press and iron cross maximal isometric contraction. 52 gymnasts (mean ± SD, 22.4 ± 5 years, 173 ± 5 cm, and 68.5 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to start by one of two exercises: (1) Maximal isometric contraction in the bench press position. The force applied by the athletes against an immobile bar was measured with handheld dynamometers. (2) Maximal contraction in the iron cross position. The participants were standing on force plates to measure their body weight at rest and during the maximal contraction. The force developed was computed by subtracting the remaining weight to the body weight. Both maximal forces were normalized by the body weight. Contrary to the expected relationship, bench press and iron cross are moderately correlated 0.41 (p = 0.003 and 95% IC [0.15; 0.61]). Rather than a linear trend, this study highlights a linear threshold between bench press and iron cross. Although some athletes present a high strength in bench press and a low strength in iron cross, it is noteworthy that no athletes present a low strength in bench press and a high strength in iron cross. This highlights that although bench press seems necessary, it is not sufficient for the iron cross. Based on the results, a model was developed to help coaches provide training recommendations established on the gymnast's current general and specific strength status.