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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 161-168, 2014. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of push-up method (standard vs modified) and gender on percentage of body weight supported. Thirty seven men and women completed five push-ups in the standard (SPU) and modified (MPU) positions, and 5-sec hold (static) in the up (elbow extension) and down (elbow flexion) positions. Vertical ground reaction forces (expressed as load relative to body weight) were measured using force platforms. From a video-captured image, a computer software distance tool measured vertical range of motion (ROM) achieved in the down position expressed as a percentage of full vertical ROM. Maximal relative load was greater in men than women (SPU: 97.7 ± 8.1% vs 80.0 ± 3.9%; MPU: 79.7 ± 7.4% vs 68.2 ± 3.0%, p < .0001) with a greater effect during SPU (p < .0001). In the static up position, relative load did not differ between men and women (SPU: 67.0 ± 3.8% vs 65.1 ± 3.1%; MPU: 52.5 ± 3.7% vs 51.5 ± 3.1%); however, relative load was greater in men during the static down position (SPU: 74.6 ± 3.6 vs 70.3 ± 3.1%; MPU: 60.1 ± 4.5 vs 56.6 ± 2.7%, p < .0001). Percentage of full vertical ROM was greater in men than women (SPU: 67.7 ± 6.1% vs 50.1 ± 11.4%; MPU: 66.6 ± 6.9% vs 60.1 ± 8.9%, p = .001). These data indicate that women perform the push-up with less relative load and ROM, likely due to gender differences in movement patterns which can be altered by fatigue.

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