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.

Published

(UCLA) 4 Week Strength Gains (Eccentric Overload)

A 4-week controlled study examining eccentric overload training, demonstrating significantly greater 1RM strength gains compared to traditional flat bench training.

Read 4-Week Study

Published

(NCAA Football) 8 week Athlete Performance Outcomes

An 8-week randomized controlled trial in collegiate football athletes showing improvements in max strength, power output, and muscular endurance versus flat bench training.

Read 8-Week Study

Published

(IJES) Acute Performance + Biomechanics (Mechanism Proof)

A published acute study analyzing biomechanics and performance, confirming improved mechanics, enhanced force production, and reduced limiting factors at the shoulder.

Read The Study

Research Continuum : Biomechanics → Lab → Field

Launch Pad® vs. Flat Bench: Acute, 4-Week, & 8-Week Outcomes

Three 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%)

READ 8-WEEK STUDY

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.

READ 4-WEEK STUDY

Scientific Journal of Sport & Performance (2025). DOI: 10.55860/JCDL3612

Study 3 • The Mechanism Study

Published in the International Journal of Exercise Science

Study 3 examined the acute biomechanical and performance effects of The Launch Pad® versus a traditional flat bench during bench pressing.

Primary Objective

Determine whether The Launch Pad® immediately improves pressing mechanics and output compared to a flat bench.

Study Design

Controlled lab study with a within-subjects crossover design, meaning each lifter tested both conditions.

Population

Resistance-trained male participants, making the findings relevant to real bench press users rather than untrained beginners.

Load Used

Bench press testing was performed at approximately 70% of 1-RM.

Metrics Measured

+15.8% Peak Bar Velocity

+17.5 % Mean Bar Velocity

+24–27% Pec Activation

+15.8% Range of Motion

+8.8% Power Output

These measures were selected to test whether a biomechanically optimized surface could change pressing mechanics and improve performance output without changing the load.

Why Study 3 Matters

Study 3 is the mechanism study in the 3-study proof stack.

Study 1 showed that The Launch Pad® can produce greater long-term strength gains. Study 2 showed improved athlete performance outcomes over an 8-week training block. Study 3 helps explain the underlying mechanisms.

Read the Study

International Journal of Exercise Science (2026) DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026103

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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Research Corner

What's Next In The Research Pipeline

(UCLA) 4 Week Strength Gains (Eccentric Overload)

(NCAA Football) 8 week Athlete Performance Outcomes

(IJES) Acute Performance + Biomechanics (Mechanism Proof)