Construct Validity of Two Different Methods of Scoring and Performing Push-ups

Clemons, J. Construct validity of two different methods of scoring and performing push-ups. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2971-2980, 2019-The purpose of this investigation was to determine the construct validity of the standard push-ups (STPUs) and hand-release push-ups (HRPUs) by comparing them to the criterion measures of absolute strength (i.e., 1 repetition maximum [RM] bench press [BP]) and relative strength (1RM·body mass). Thirty-one, college-age males were recruited for the study. The HRPU was performed by lifting the palms from the floor between each push-up (PU), whereas the STPU only required chest contact at the bottom before returning to the support position. Push-up rate was controlled by metronome. A counter-balanced, cross-over design was used with 1 week between each test. Correlations were conducted on push-up scores and criterion measures. In addition, STPU and HRPU scores were compared to determine whether there was a difference in the maximum number of push-ups executed. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether 1RM BP (i.e., absolute strength) might be predicted from push-up performance: 1RM Bench Press kg = 48.675 + (0.8832·body mass) + (1.318·# of standard push-ups executed) + (-157.82·PU distance m). Results indicated significantly more HRPUs than STPUs were executed. Push-up raw scores were found to be unrelated to absolute strength. Standard push-up raw scores were found to be significantly correlated with relative strength (r = 0.71, prob. = 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis also indicated that absolute strength may be reasonably estimated if the predictor variables of body mass and vertical push-up distance are considered along with push-up score (R = 0.791, R = 0.62.5%).