Javier Merino Pérez, awarded the Manuel Blasco Garzón Prize.

The student Javier Merino Pérez has been awarded the Blasco Garzón Prize, endowed with 800 euros, for his work in the field of sports and exercise science, titled “Comparison of two training protocols with different velocity loss in the set on performance in the bench press exercise.”

The study conducted by Javier Merino Pérez analyzes the impact of two training approaches based on controlling the average propulsive velocity and the percentage of velocity loss during the bench press exercise, with the goal of optimizing performance and minimizing fatigue.

For the study, Javier Merino compared two groups: one with a fixed protocol of a constant 25% velocity loss, and another with a wave-like progression where the percentage of loss varied from session to session. Both models showed significant improvements in physical performance, but the group with constant velocity loss achieved similar or superior gains in maximum strength and muscular endurance.

The study concludes that both methods are effective, but maintaining a constant velocity loss may be particularly useful during strength development phases, while varying the percentage could be beneficial at strategic points in training, such as at the end of a microcycle or in pre-competition preparation.

The Manuel Blasco Garzón Prize continues its mission of recognizing young talent, supporting and encouraging students to continue their work in academic and scientific research.