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. 2022 Jun 1;15(4):820-833.
doi: 10.70252/XIJI4089. eCollection 2022.

Development of a Standard Push-up Scale for College-Aged Females

Melanie M Adams  1 , Sophie A Hatch  1 , Elizabeth G Winsor  1 , Caitlyn Parmelee  2
Affiliations

Development of a Standard Push-up Scale for College-Aged Females

Melanie M Adams et al. Int J Exerc Sci. .

Abstract

The ACSM/CESP push-up test exemplifies the limiting nature of the gender binary in fitness. Males perform the standard push-up (from toes) while females perform the modified push-up (from knees), even if capable of multiple standard push-ups. Differences in upper body strength are used to justify the test protocol. Though the load difference between modified and standard positions is substantially less than the gender strength gap. Additionally, current fitness ratings are over 30 years old. The purpose of this study was to develop a new standard push-up rating scale for college-age females. Cis-female college students (n = 72) were recruited to perform maximal repetitions in the modified and standard positions. Health history and physical activity information was gathered prior to the test. Trained research assistants provided standardized warm-up, modelled correct form, and administered the tests. Order of the tests was randomized and there was at least 48 hours between test days. Mean push-ups in the standard position was 9 (8.87) and 17.5 (11.76) in the modified position. Participants who resistance train did significantly more repetitions of each. Linear regression was used to develop an equation to predict standard push-up repetitions from modified repetitions. The equation was applied to the current repetition ranges for each fitness category, and a new standard scale was developed. The new scale ratings are similar to the Revised Push-up but lower than the Fitnessgram® Healthy Zone. The modified or "girl" push-up contributes to gender stereotypes about muscular fitness. Providing females with the option to be graded on the standard push-up is a step to reducing gender bias in fitness. Future research is needed to validate this scale.

Keywords: Push-up test; fitness testing; gender; stereotype.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The correlation between modified and standard push-up repetitions was strong. The blue line and shadow illustrate the best fit.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Participants who resistance trained showed a stronger correlation between the standard and modified repetitions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The initial cut points for the 5 fitness categories are show above. They were adjusted to account for participants who produced more than 20 repetitions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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