The placement of linear transducers affects the magnitude but not the intra-session reliability of kinematic variables during the bench press exercise

BACKGROUND: While linear transducers are the most accurate velocity monitoring devices, the horizontal motion of the barbell seems to affect its measurement error. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of cable inclination of the GymAware and T-Force linear transducers on the intra-session reliability and magnitude of kinematic variables during the Smith machine bench press exercise. METHODS: Twenty-eight resistance-trained males performed 2 blocks of 12 repetitions (4 repetitions at 40-60-80%1RM). In half of the repetitions with each load the two measuring systems were either vertically aligned with the barbell or positioned 15-cm away from the vertical projection of the barbell. RESULTS: Displacement and mean velocity variables were recorded with a high and comparable intra-session reliability regardless of the cable position and measuring system (CV=𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 1.79–8.38%; ICC=𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 0.69–0.98). The inclined cable position provided a lower displacement and mean velocity than the vertical cable position and the differences were comparable using both the GymAware (⩽ 1.52 cm; ⩽ 0.05 m⋅s-1) and T-Force (⩽ 1.53 cm; ⩽ 0.04 m⋅s-1). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that repeatable findings of kinematic variables can be obtained regardless of the cable position, but for comparative purposes, the cable position should remain constant from the start to the end of the lifts.