Differences in Resistance Exercise Performance in Lat Pulldowns Using Different Handle Variants

The pulldown exercise is designed to target the upper back muscle groups. However, the performance of this exercise may be influenced by the stabilizing accessory muscles, such as grip strength. We investigated the effect of a grip-enhancing handle on maximal strength and exercise volume during the pulldown exercise. College-aged, recreationally trained men (n=16) and women (n=16) were recruited for this study. The two-day testing protocol required the performance of the pulldown exercise using either a standard neutral grip (SNG) or the Maximum Advantage Grip® (MAG) attachment in a randomized order, separated by at least 48 hours. Following a standardized warmup, subjects completed a 1RM test for the pulldown with the assigned handle. After a 15-minute recovery, participants completed three sets of the exercise at 80% 1RM to failure with two-minute rest intervals. Repetitions per set were analyzed by a handle X gender X set ANOVA. Session data was assessed using a handle X gender ANOVA. No significant differences were noted for 1RM, and no significant 3-way interactions were noted for repetitions per set. A significant handle X gender interaction was observed for total repetitions completed. Handgrip strength saw significant main effects of time in both males and females. A significant handle X gender interaction was observed for load volume. Men performed more repetitions during the first set to failure when using the MAG handle, while females performed more repetitions on the last set to failure with the SNG handle.