Eccentric Overload & Strength
Peer-reviewed, eccentrically overloaded bench press training: significantly greater strength gains on a novel bench pad.
Research Corner
The science-driven command center for The Launch Pad®—where peer-reviewed data meets elite performance.
Ongoing Validation
What's Next In The Research Pipeline
A multi-study series exploring performance, biomechanics, and injury risk.
EMG Activation & Shoulder Mechanics
Muscle recruitment, scapular motion, and joint loading analysis.
Upper Body Strength & Performance
8-week NCAA Football RCT: strength, endurance, and power advantages using a novel bench pad vs. flat bench.
Research Continuum · Lab → Field
Launch Pad® vs. Flat Bench: 4-Week & 8-Week Outcomes
Two peer-reviewed studies show consistent performance advantages across timeframes.
Field-Performance
24 Sessions
8 Weeks
8-Week NCAA Football RCT
UCLA · Baylor · Creighton randomized controlled trial. Launch Pad® athletes significantly outperformed the flat-bench group across every key performance metric.
- Max Strength (1-RM BP): +42.7 lb vs +20.1 lb (2× greater gain)
- Endurance (NFL-225 lb Rep Test): +7 reps vs +4 reps (+75%)
- Power (Seated MB Throw): +8.86 ft vs +6.56 ft (+35%)
Scientific Journal of Sport & Performance (2025). DOI: 10.55860/RNUB8627
Lab-Style
12 Sessions
4 Weeks
4-Week Eccentric Overload Trial
Peer-reviewed, eccentrically overloaded bench protocol with The Launch Pad® as the only change.
- Max Strength: +40.6 lb vs +24.5 lb (+66% advantage)
- Design note: no training-program changes — The Launch Pad® was the key variable.
- Takeaway: rapid, measurable strength gains in a short window.
Scientific Journal of Sport & Performance (2025). DOI: 10.55860/JCDL3612
| Outcome | 8-Week NCAA Football RCT | 4-Week Eccentric Overload Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Max Strength (1-RM Bench Press) |
+42.7 lb vs +20.1 lb (2×)
= 214.8 lb→257.5 lb vs 216.3 lb→236.4 lb
|
+40.6 lb vs +24.5 lb (+66%)
= 214.8 lb→255.3 lb vs 216.3 lb→240.816 lb
|
| Endurance (NFL-225 lb Rep Test) |
+7 reps vs +4 reps (+75%)
=14 reps→21 reps vs 14 reps→18 reps
|
—
|
| Power (Seated MB Throw) |
+8.86 ft vs +6.56 ft (+35%)
= 11.15 ft→20.01 ft vs 11.48 ft→18.04 ft
|
—
|
| Duration / Sessions | 8 Weeks • 3x Week • 24 Sessions | 4 Weeks • 3x Week • 12 Sessions |
| Design Notes | Field-performance; 30 NCAA football players | Eccentric overload; 42 resistance trained males; Primary variable - The Launch Pad® |
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