Contextual overview
Coaches should assess players on a case-by-case basis as bilateral index magnitudes vary significantly between individuals. The study highlights that the magnitude of the deficit for power and speed is load-sensitive, providing a nuanced perspective on upper-body explosive training.
Original publication abstract
The 2023 study by González-Ramírez et al., published in Frontiers in Physiology, investigated how performing a bench press bilaterally versus unilaterally affects performance across different loads. The results showed that bilateral facilitation occurs for maximal force, but a bilateral deficit is present for power and velocity, especially as loads increase.
Check the original article for the population, device, protocol and limitations before applying its results to a different configuration.