KINETIC ANALYSIS OF SEVERAL VARIATIONS OF PUSH-UPS

Abstract

Push-ups are a common and practical exercise though the kinetic characteristics of this exercise and its variations have yet to be quantified. This study assessed the peak ground reaction forces (GRF) of push-up variations including the regular push-up and those performed with bent knee, feet elevated on a 30.48 cm box and a 60.96 cm box, hands elevated on a 30.48 cm box and a 60.96 cm box. Peak GRF and peak GRF expressed as a coefficient of subject body mass were obtained with a force platform. Push-ups with the feet elevated produced higher GRF than all other push-up variations (p ≤ 0.05). Push-ups with hands elevated and from the bent knee position produced lower GRF than all other push-up variations (p ≤ 0.05). These data can be used to progress the intensity of push-ups in a program with loads that are quantified as a percentage of body mass.