Press Up Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of the Press Up test is to assess the strength endurance of the athlete's upper body muscles.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Flat surface
• Mat
• An Assistant

How to conduct the test The Press Up Test is conducted as follows: Lie on the mat, hands shoulder width apart & fully extend the arms - see Figure 1 Lower the body until the elbows reach 90° - see Figure 2 Return to the starting position with the arms fully extended - see Figure 1 The feet are not to be held The push up action is to be continuous with no rest Complete as many push ups as possible Record the total number of full body press ups

Figure 1 Figure 2

Female athletes tend to have less relative strength in the upper body and therefore can use the modified press up position to assess their upper body strength. The test is then performed as follows: Lie on the mat, hands shoulder width apart, bent knee position & fully extend the arms - see Figure 3 Lower the upper body until the elbows reach 90° - see Figure 4 Return to the starting position with the arms fully extended - see Figure 3 The feet are not to be held The push up action is to be continuous with no rest Complete as many modified push ups as possible Record the total number of modified press ups

Figure 3 Figure 4

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Normative data for the Press Up Tests

Full body press up

Modified Push Ups

Table Reference: McArdle W.D. et al; Essential of Exercise Physiology; 2000

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

How much weight are you pressing?

When you perform the full press up (Fig 1), you are lifting approximately 75% of your body weight and in the modified press up position (Fig 3), you are lifting approximately 60% of your body weight.

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Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
• Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
• Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
• Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
• The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
• Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
• Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
• Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
• PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2

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