I can certainly understand the principle of the Heuter-Volkmann argument but it (H-V) can not explain, under real conditions, the bone remodeling issue. Woff's law of change in bone remodeling/adapting of bone structure may give a truer opposite result with regards to Epiphyseal pressure in a more realistic state. Of course both these studies were in regard to mature adults not younger subjects around or below the age of 22 years or so. Any younger subject is still in the state of flux with regard to cartilage ( in this period, a soft state) and there may be, but I am not aware of such, research on these matters conducted on younger persons.
Pullovers, either straight or bentarm, can have a positive influence on the rib box (and muscle/ligaments, inserts/attachments) expansion both outward and upward when the said trainee is still with-in the required younger age limit, where the potentional for growth is at it's highest. Two inches, or so, seems to be the mean average chest/rib box improvement after a period of time. This affect has even helped older trainee's reach a state of better flexability and strenghtening the muscle attachments around the chest/rib box it's self, which can give a fuller feeling to this area. Which inturn give a much more impressive looking chest.
As XS said, "Do them and find out for yourself". Pullovers are best done right after a set of high rep squats, Dl', cleans, etc. The idea is to take advantage of the heavy, high chest breathing produced by those demanding compound exercises. Using a medium weight (either straight or bent armed) and going for a full stretch, breathing deeply, for 20 reps can be very rewarding . Two sets of 20 rep squats should be well enought to set up some very good gains in the long run. But you can also do pullovers after a regular chest workout, affects the shoulder girdle very well. One of my favorite upper body mass builders is the bent arm DB pullover. Not only insuring a flexable rib box but also hitting the pec's, lat's, triceps & abs strongly. I use heavy weights for 7-12 reps usually.
Too bad so many men who want to make superior gains, yet avoid some exercises because they "think" they will not get results. And yet some of these guy's spend hours in a gym doing endless set after set, four to six times a weeks, getting little or no results for their efforts. Seems like their doing manuel labor rather than working out. With BB'ing, we all have to give just about any method, system, exercise or whatever a fair try and than cast your negative or positive judgement on it afterwards. Everything has to be proven with each one of us on a seperate bases. Good Luck.
