Abstract
The push-up test (PUT) is commonly used to assess muscular endurance (ME) in law enforcement officers (LEOs), as ME has been attributed to performance during many occupational tasks. Research has shown a relationship between upper-quadrant stability (UQS) and PUT, however the contribution of lower-quadrant stability (LQS) to PUT performance is less well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between UQS, LQS, and PUT performance in active LEOs. METHODS: Twenty-two active male LEOs (40.5 ± 9.4 y, 178.5 ± 6.9 cm, 93.5 ± 11.7 kg) completed the upper quadrant Y-Balance test (UQYBT), lower quadrant Y-Balance test (LQYBT), and a maximal PUT. The UQYBT was performed in the push-up position, with the dominant (D) hand centered on a platform. Reach distances in the medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions with the non-dominant (ND) hand were recorded. This was repeated with alternative arm positioning. The LQYBT was also performed bilaterally. Participants stood on one foot on the platform, hands on hips while reaching the other foot in three directions (anterior, posterior medial and posterior lateral). Composite scores for the UQYBT and LQYBT for the D limb (UBYBT-D and LQYBT-D, respectively) and ND limb (UBYBT-ND and LQYBT-ND, respectively) were determined and normalized to limb length. For the PUT, participants started in the standard position and full range of motion repetitions were counted (without rest) until form deterioration. Predictors of PUT scores were determined with a stepwise regression analysis using SPSS version 30 (IBM Corp) and an alpha significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The average PUT score (28.41 ± 16.4) was above the 50th percentile compared to similar aged LEOs according to NYS Fitness Requirements. UQYBT-D scores were the only significant predictor in a model that explained 36.0% of the variance in PUT scores (R2 = 0.360, F[1,20] = 11.241, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The composite score for UQYBT-D was the lowest score when compared to UQYBT-ND, LQYBT-D, and LQYBT-ND, indicating that limitations in D arm stability may influence performance through the kinetic chain during whole body movements. The limited sample size and selection bias present during stepwise regression analysis warrants further testing with more participants to verify these findings.
Recommended Citation
Calovini, Admar; Yerys, Nicole; Zalot, Andrew; Finkelstein, Jake; Pottorf, Ofra A.; Dauplaise, Jake; and Sell, Katie
(2025)
"Relationship Between Upper and Lower Quadrant Stability and Muscular Endurance in Active Law Enforcement Officers,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15:
Iss.
7, Article 15.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss7/15