Plyometric Push-up Research Articles

An Alternative Test of Tackling Ability in Rugby League Players.

This study investigated the relationship between 2 tests of tackling ability, muscle strength, and power in semiprofessional rugby league players. Thirty-one players, 19 first-grade and 12 second-grade, underwent tests of muscle strength (1-repetition-maximum bench press, chin-up, and squat) and power (plyometric push-up and countermovement jump). Tackling ability was assessed via video analysis of under-and over-the-ball tackle drills. The first-grade players had significantly greater scores in both the under-the-ball (P = .03, effect size [ES] = 0.84, 95% CI 0.07-1.50) and over-the-ball tackling-ability tests (P < .001, ES =1.86, 95% CI 0.83-2.52) than the second-grade players. A large, significant relationship was found between under- and over-the-ball tackling ability (r = .55, 95% CI .24-.76, P = .001). Lower-body strength (r = .37, 95% CI .02-.64, P = .04) was moderately associated with under-the-ball tackling ability, whereas over-the-ball tackling ability was moderately associated with plyometric push-up performance (r = .39, 95% CI .04-.65, P = .03). This study found that over-the-ball tackling ability was significantly associated with under-the-ball tackling in semiprofessional rugby league players. Furthermore, it was found that, compared with the second-grade players, the first-grade players had superior tackle ability in both tackle drills. In this study it was observed that plyometric push-up peak power was significantly related to over-the-ball tackling ability and absolute lower-body strength was associated with under-the-ball tackling ability. These findings provide skill coaches and strength and conditioning staff a greater understanding of elements that contribute to effective tackling ability.

Effect of Direct Whole-Body Vibration on Upper-Body Muscular Power in Recreational, Resistance-Trained Men.

Jones, MT, Martin, JR, Jagim, AR, and Oliver, JM. Effect of direct whole-body vibration on upper-body muscular power in recreational, resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1371-1377, 2017-To determine the acute effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on upper-body power, 15 men (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 2.3 years; height 173.1 ± 6.5 cm; and weight 77.2 ± 13.8 kg) with ≥1-year resistance training experience and a bench press (BP): body mass ratio ≥1.25 participated in a repeated-measures crossover design. Session 1 included body composition ([Bod Pod] 15.76 ± 6.7% body fat), 3 repetition maximum BP, and familiarization with: seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), plyometric push-up (PPU) on a force plate, and vertical WBV platform. Sessions 2-5 were randomly ordered across condition and test, separated by 24 hours, and consisted of a warm-up followed by 4 × 30-second push-up holds (2 × elbows at 90° and 2 × arms extended) performed on the vibration platform with WBV (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 2-4 mm, 1:1 work: relief ratio) or no WBV. Seated medicine ball throw and PPU were tested immediately, 1, 5, and 10 minutes post. Standardized magnitude-based inferences were used to define outcomes. A likely positive effect of WBV was observed for SMBT at 10 minutes post. A likely negative effect of WBV resulted at 1 minute in time-to-peak force. A possibly positive effect was observed 10 minutes post. A possibly negative effect was observed 10 minutes post for peak power, and a likely negative effect of WBV was observed on time-to-peak power immediate post. Incorporating a 10-minute rest period is recommended when implementing power exercises after upper-body static-hold exercises during WBV exposure.

Changes in markers of fatigue following a competitive match in elite academy rugby union players

Background: Post-match fatigue has yet to be investigated in academy rugby union players. Objectives: To determine the magnitude of change in upper- (plyometric push-up (PP) flight-time) and lower-body (countermovement jump (CMJ) mean power) neuromuscular function (NMF), whole blood creatine kinase (CK) and perception of well-being following a competitive match in academy rugby union players. Methods: Fourteen academy rugby union players participated in the study. Measures were taken 2 h pre-match (baseline) and immediately post-match. Further testing was also undertaken at 24-, 48- and 72 h respectively post-match. Changes in measures from baseline were determined using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Decreases in CMJ mean power were likely substantial immediately (-5.5±3.3%) post-match, very likely at 24 h (-7±3.9), likely at 48 h (-5.8±5.4), while likely trivial at 72 h (-0.8±3.8) post-match. PP flight-time was very likely reduced immediately (-15.3±7.3%) and 24 h (-11.5±5.7%) post-match, while possibly increased at 48 h (3.5±6.0%) and likely trivial at 72 h (-0.9±5.4%) post-match. Decreases in perception of well-being were almost certainly substantial at 24 h (-24.0±4.3%), very likely at 48 h (-8.3±5.9%), and likely substantial at 72 h (-3.6±3.7%) post-match.Increases in CK were almost certainly substantial immediately (138.5±33%), 24 h (326±78%) and 48 h (176±62%) post-match, while very likely substantial at 72 h (57±35%) post-match. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the transient and multidimensional nature of post-match fatigue in academy rugby union players. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the individual nature of recovery, with many players demonstrating different recovery profiles from the group average.

Oxygen consumption and muscle fatigue induced by whole-body electromyostimulation compared to equal-duration body weight circuit training

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has become increasingly popular under the promise to offer a time-saving and effective exercise protocols. Few studies estimating the training intervention intensity of WB-EMS are available in the literature. The aim of this study was first to estimate the metabolic demand and muscle fatigue induced by a training session with WB-EMS, and second to compare them to a control intervention. Ten young participants performed two training sessions: an experimental condition constituted by five exercises with superimposed WB-EMS and a control condition constituted by five body weight exercises. Both sessions lasted 15 min and were based on isometric intermittent contraction (6 of contraction interspersed by 4 s of rest). Muscle fatigue was assessed by determining the force decrease in the following tests: isometric mid-thigh pull; plyometric push-up; counter-movement jump. Oxygen consumption and energy expenditure were recorded by measuring respiratory gases exchange to quantify the metabolic demand of the exercises. The WB-EMS intervention required greater volume of oxygen consumed (WB-EMS 1584 ± 251 ml/min; control 1465 ± 216 ml/min, p = 0.006) and energy expenditure (WB-EMS 470 ± 71 kcal/h; control 438 ± 61 kcal/h, p = 0.013) than in control intervention. Overall, the WB-EMS training induced muscle fatigue (all PRE vs POST tests p ≤ 0.02) whereas the body weight exercises did not (all p > 0.14). These results indicate that WB-EMS intervention constituted a vigorous physical activity. The WB-EMS required also a greater metabolic demand and greater muscle fatigue than a traditional body weight circuit training. Thus, WB-EMS can be considered as an alternative training tool for physically active individuals.

Changes in markers of fatigue following a competitive match in elite academy rugby union players

Background: Post-match fatigue has yet to be investigated inacademy rugby union players.Objectives: To determine the magnitude of change in upper-(plyometric push-up (PP) flight-time) and lower-body(countermovement jump (CMJ) mean power) neuromuscularfunction (NMF), whole blood creatine kinase (CK) and perceptionof well-being following a competitive match in academy rugbyunion players.Methods: Fourteen academy rugby union players participatedin the study. Measures were taken 2 h pre-match (baseline) andimmediately post-match. Further testing was also undertaken at24-, 48- and 72 h respectively post-match. Changes in measuresfrom baseline were determined using magnitude-based inferences.Results: Decreases in CMJ mean power were likely substantialimmediately (-5.5±3.3%) post-match, very likely at 24 h (-7±3.9),likely at 48 h (-5.8±5.4), while likely trivial at 72 h (-0.8±3.8)post-match. PP flight-time was very likely reduced immediately(-15.3±7.3%) and 24 h (-11.5±5.7%) post-match, while possiblyincreased at 48 h (3.5±6.0%) and likely trivial at 72 h (-0.9±5.4%)post-match. Decreases in perception of well-being were almostcertainly substantial at 24 h (-24.0±4.3%), very likely at 48 h(-8.3±5.9%), and likely substantial at 72 h (-3.6±3.7%) post-match.Increases in CK were almost certainly substantial immediately(138.5±33%), 24 h (326±78%) and 48 h (176±62%) post-match,while very likely substantial at 72 h (57±35%) post-match.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the transient andmultidimensional nature of post-match fatigue in academyrugby union players. Furthermore, the results demonstrate theindividual nature of recovery, with many players demonstratingdifferent recovery profiles from the group average.Keywords: collision sport, monitoring, sports injuries

The Effect of Variation of Plyometric Push-Ups on Force-Application Kinetics and Perception of Intensity.

To examine differences between ground-reaction-force (GRF)-based parameters collected from 5 types of plyometric push-ups. Between-trials reliability and the relationships between parameters were also assessed. Thirty-seven highly active commando soldiers performed 3 trials of 5 variations of the plyometric push-up in a counterbalanced order: standard countermovement push-up (SCPu), standard squat push-up (SSPu), kneeling countermovement push-up (KCPu), kneeling squat push-up (KSPu), and drop-fall push-up (DFPu). Vertical GRF was measured during these exercises using a portable Kistler force plate. The GRF applied by the hands in the starting position (initial force supported), peak GRF and rate of force development during takeoff, flight time, impact force, and rate of force development impact on landing were determined. During standard-position exercises (SCPu and SSPu) the initial force supported and impact force were higher (P < .001) than with kneeling exercises (KCPu, KSPu, and DFPu). The peak GRF and rate of force development during takeoff were higher (P < .001) in the countermovement push-up exercises ([CMP] SCPu, KCPu, and DFPu) than squat push-up exercises ([SP] SSPu and KSPu). Furthermore, the flight time was greater (P < .001) during kneeling exercises than during standard-position exercises. A significant relationship (P < .01) between impact force and the rate of force development impact was observed for CMP and SP exercises (r = .83 and r = .62, respectively). The initial force supported was also negatively related (P < .01) to the flight time for both CMP and SP (r = -.74 and r = -.80, respectively). It was revealed that the initial force supported and the peak GRF during takeoff had excellent reliability; however, other parameters had poor absolute reliability. It is possible to adjust the intensity of plyometric push-up exercises and train athletes' muscle power by correctly interpreting GRF-based parameters. However, caution is required as some parameters had marginal absolute reliability.

The Relationship Between Bat Velocity And Measures Of Strength And Power In Ncaa Division Ii Baseball Players

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the relationship between measures of upper and lower-body strength and power components and instantaneous bat velocity in NCAA Division II Collegiate baseball players. METHODS: Ten Division II collegiate baseball players (age: 20.3 ± 1.3 years; mass: 89.6 ± 12.1 kg; average years of experience: 14.9 ± 1.6; 7 right-handed batters) volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject completed two days of testing with a week between test days. Day 1 consisted of 5 repetition maximum bench press, 5 repetition squat, and grip strength. Day 2 consisted of lower body power (vertical jump performed on a contact mat), upper-body power (plyometric pushup performed on a force plate) and instantaneous bat velocity testing. A 3D motion analysis system sampling at 200 Hz was used to record the instantaneous bat velocity with the players hitting a ball from a tee. Spearman rank correlations were performed to establish the magnitude of the relationships between the variables. RESULTS: The magnitude of the relationships between the measures of strength and power and bat velocity ranged from small to large (-0.103 to 0.583) and none were significant (p>0.05). The largest correlation was found between left-hand grip strength and instantaneous bat velocity (0.583). CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest the importance of possibly implementing hand grip training to aid in an increase in instantaneous bat velocity. Since the upper-body and lower-body strength components demonstrated only small correlations with bat velocity, training should consist of working on mechanical efficiency of the players swing once muscular strength and power have been developed.

Ground Reaction Force Patterns in Plyometric Push-Ups

Compared with lower extremity plyometrics, data concerning the loads and intensity associated with upper extremity plyometrics are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) characteristics between the clap push-up and box drop push-ups from 3.8 cm (BD1), 7.6 cm (BD2), and 11.4 cm (BD3) heights and limbs (dominant, nondominant). Twenty-two healthy active male subjects (age 25.9 ± 1.3 years, height 1.8 ± 0.08 m, mass 87.6 ± 12 kg) performed 4 repetitions of each push-up variation in a random order. Four dependent variables, peak vGRF, time-to-peak vGRF, loading rate (LR), and propulsion rate (PR) were calculated for each extremity. Statistical analysis consisted of separate limb by variation repeated measures analysis of variance. In addition, ground contact time (GCT) was statistically compared between variations. The GCT for the clap push-up (p = 0.033) was significantly less than that for BD1 and BD2. No significant differences were revealed for time-to-peak vGRF (p = 0.717). Peak vGRF was significant between dominant and nondominant limbs (p = 0.045). Post hoc analysis of a significant limb by variation interaction in LR (p < 0.001) revealed the dominant limb to be significantly greater than the nondominant one in all 4 push-up variations. Furthermore, for both limbs, the clap LR was significantly greater than BD1, BD2, and BD3. The clap PR was significantly greater than BD1, BD2, and BD3. These data add rationale for determining upper extremity plyometric progression. The peak vGRFs are similar, and altering the box height did not affect peak vGRF. In contrast, the clap demonstrated the highest LR and PR suggesting that it may be a more powerful exercise than BD1, BD2, and BD3. The higher LR (Clap and BD3) for the dominant extremity illustrates bilateral disparity in the rate of eccentric loading.

Kinematic Analysis of Four Plyometric Push-Up Variations

Plyometric research in the upper extremity is limited, with the effects of open-chain plyometric exercises being studied most. Kinematic and ground reaction force data concerning closed-chain upper extremity plyometrics has yet to be examined. Twenty-one recreationally active male subjects performed four variations of plyometric push-ups in a counterbalanced order. These included box drop push-ups from 3.8 cm, 7.6 cm, 11.4 cm heights, and clap push-ups. Kinematics of the trunk, dominant extremity and both hands were collected to examine peak flight, elbow flexion at ground contact, elbow displacement, and hand separation. Additionally peak vertical ground reaction force was measured under the dominant extremity. The 11.4 cm and clap push-ups had significantly higher peak flight than the other variations (P&lt;.001). At ground contact, the elbow was in significantly greater flexion for the 3.8 cm and clap push-up compared to the other variations (P&lt;.001). The clap push-up had significantly more elbow displacement than the other variations (P&lt;.001) while hand separation was not significantly different between variations (P=.129). Peak vertical ground reaction force was significantly greater for the clap push-ups than for all other variations (P&lt; .001). Despite similar flight heights between the 11.4 cm and clap push-ups, the greater peak vertical ground reaction force and elbow displacement of the clap push-ups indicates the clap push-up is the most intense of the variations examined. Understanding the kinematic variables involved will aid in the creation of a closed chain upper-extremity plyometric progression.

Myoelectric Activation and Kinetics of Different Plyometric Push-Up Exercises

The kinetic and myoelectric differences between 3 types of plyometric push-ups were investigated. Twenty-seven healthy, physically active men served as subjects and completed both familiarization and testing sessions. During these sessions, subjects performed 2 series of 3 plyometric push-up variations in a counterbalanced order according to the following techniques: Countermovement push-ups (CPUs) were push-ups performed with the maximum speed of movement; jump push-ups (JPUs) were similar to clapping push-ups; and fall push-ups (FPUs) required kneeling subjects to drop and then attempt to return to their initial position. Vertical ground reaction forces were determined by using a force plate. Myoelectric activity was recorded by means of electromyography. Impact force and impact rate of force development were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for FPUs than for JPUs. The maximum rate of force development was higher for CPUs (p < 0.05) than for JPUs, and the maximum force was higher for the CPUs than for the FPUs (p < 0.05). There were differences among exercises for the mean muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM; p < 0.001), triceps brachii (p < 0.001), external oblique (p < 0.005) and anterior deltoid (p < 0.001), and in the maximum muscle activation of the PM (p < 0.001). Plyometric push-ups with countermovement achieved a higher maximum force and rate of force and did not cause impact forces. Thus, this type of push-up exercise may be regarded as the best for improving explosive force. The FPU exercise achieved higher levels of muscular activation in the agonist and synergist muscle groups, and greater impact forces and impact force development rates.

Kinematic Analysis of the Landing Phase onto an Elevated Surface in Box Drop Plyometric Push Ups

Previous research concerning loading and kinematics of box drop plyometric push ups (DPU) has not assessed the vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) and kinematics of the landing phase onto an elevated surface during DPU. Landing phase is defined as the time from contact with the boxes to propulsion off the boxes. PURPOSE: To compare the flight height, peak vGRF, and elbow flexion during the landing phase of DPU from 3.8cm (1.5 in), 7.6cm (3 in), and 10.2cm (4.5 in) heights. METHODS: Ten active male subjects (86.0±11.6 kg, 1.82±.07 m, 25±3 yrs) performed four repetitions of each DPU variation in a counterbalanced order. DPU were completed with each upper extremity placed over separate force plates. Boxes were placed on the individual force plates just outside of the subjects self-selected hand separation for the push ups. An electromagnetic tracking system (Motion Monitor, IST, Inc) collected kinematics of the trunk and dominant elbow. From the push up position, peak flight (maximal vertical trunk position during flight), peak vGRF, elbow flexion at ground contact (GC), and elbow displacement (difference between elbow position at GC and peak flexion) were calculated. RESULTS: Significant differences in peak flight (P<.001) and elbow flexion at GC (P<.001) were revealed between DPU variations. Post hoc analysis of peak flight demonstrated peak flight during 3.8cm DPU to be significantly less than 7.6cm DPU (P=.002, d=.58) and 10.2 DPU (P<.001, d=1.17), and 7.6 DPU to be significantly less than 10.2 DPU (P<.001, d=.66). Post hoc analysis of elbow flexion at GC revealed subjects had significantly greater elbow extension during the 3.8cm DPU compared to 10.2cm DPU (P<.001, d=.67). No significant differences were revealed for peak vGRF (P=.253) or elbow displacement (P=.074) between the DPU variations. CONCLUSION: Based on peak flight, as box height increases, the higher the subjects must propel their trunk to land on the boxes. In addition, as the box height increased the subjects landed with more elbow flexion. This may indicate that the difficulty of landing on the higher boxes prompted subjects to compensate with more elbow flexion but not enough to affect peak flight. Future research needs to examine DPU from greater heights to determine if kinematics and forces change with an increase in the height of the boxes in DPU.

Quantification Of The Plyometric Push-ups Intensity Through The Pectoralis Major Myoelectric Activity.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the myoelectric activity of the pectoralis major in different plyometric push-ups. METHODS: Cross-sectional, prospective, counterbalanced study involving 27 subjects voluntarily participated was performed. They performed two attempts from three types of plyometric push-ups: i) countermovement push-ups (CPU) ii) plyometric jump push-ups (PJPU), iii) plyometric falls (PF). The acquisition of the myoelectric signals of the dominant side of the pectoralis major was carried out using a biological signal conditioner ME6000P4 (Mega Electronics,Ltd., Kuopio, Finland) with a sampling frequency of 1000 Hz. All the signals were bandpass filtered with a cut-off frequency of 20-400Hz using a Butterworth filter 4th order. The amplitude of the signals was quantified using the root mean square (RMS) and processed every 100 ms. The maximum and average RMS were selected in each attempt. The average of two attempts was used for statistical analysis. The data were analyzed by an ANOVA of repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc analysis was requested. The significance level was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: The results can be seen in Table 1.TABLE: 1. Comparison of myoelectric activity of the pectoralis major between exercises.CONCLUSIONS: The pectoralis major myoelectric activation was greater during PF, so this exercise could be considered as the most intense based on this variable.

Comparison of Ground Reaction Forces Between Four Plyometric Pushup Variations

Plyometric exercises utilize the stretch-shortening muscle cycle to produce large amounts of force in short durations. Unlike the lower extremity plyometrics, data concerning the loads and intensity associated with upper extremity plyometrics is limited. PURPOSE: To compare ground reaction forces (GRF) between the clap pushup (CPU) and drop box pushups (DPU) from 3.8cm (1.5 in), 7.6cm (3 in), and 10.2cm (4.5 in) heights. METHODS: Fifteen healthy active male subjects (18-35 years) performed four repetitions of each plyometric pushup variation in a counterbalanced order. Pushups were completed with each upper extremity positioned over a separate forceplate. Four dependent variables, peak force (PF), time to peak force (TPF), loading rate (LR) and propulsion rate (PR), were calculated for each extremity from the computed vertical GRF. Statistical analysis consisted of separate limb by variation repeated measures analysis of variance. In addition, repetition time (RT), defined as the length of time the dominant limb was in contact with the forceplate, was statistically compared between variations. RESULTS: No significant differences were revealed for RT (P=.080, h2p=.193) or PF (P=.752, h2p=.030). The dominant limb demonstrated a significantly earlier TPF (P=.003, h2p=.502). Post hoc analysis of a significant limb by variation interaction (P=.003, h2p=.300) revealed the dominant CPU and 10.2cm DPU LR to be significantly greater than the nondominant. Further, for both limbs, the CPU LR was significantly greater than the DPU at the two lowest heights. The CPU PR was significantly greater than the three DPU (P<.001, h2p=.422). CONCLUSION: These data provide documentation and add rationale for determining upper extremity plyometric progression. The PF associated with CPU and DPU are similar and altering DPU height did not affect PF. In contrast, the CPU demonstrated the highest LR and PR suggesting that it may be a more powerful exercise than DPU. The longer TPF and higher LR (CPU and 10.2cm DPU) for the dominant extremity illustrate bilateral disparity in rate of eccentric loading. Further research on these exercises is needed to better clarify the demands imposed on the upper extremity during the eccentric and concentric phases when performing plyometric exercise.

Acute Explosive-Force Movements Enhance Bench-Press Performance in Athletic Men

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the performance of explosive-force movements before bench-press exercise would improve 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) strength. Twelve male college athletes participated in 3 testing sessions separated by at least 5 days of rest. During each testing session, the 1RM was assessed on the bench-press exercise. After a general warm-up, subjects performed a specific warm-up that consisted of submaximal sets with increasing loads on the bench-press exercise before attempting a 1RM lift. During the first testing trial, subjects performed a series of 1RM attempts with increasing loads until their 1RM was determined. During the second and third testing trials, subjects performed in a counterbalanced randomized order either 2 plyometric push-ups or 2 medicine-ball (3 to 5 kg) chest passes 30 seconds before each 1RM attempt. Analysis of the data revealed that 1RM bench-press strength was significantly greater after plyometric push-ups (P = .004) or chest passes (P = .025) in comparison with the first trial (123.8 + or - 23.5 kg and 124.0 + or - 24.1 kg vs 120.9 + or - 23.2 kg, respectively). These data suggest that an acute bout of low-volume, explosive-force upper body movements performed 30 seconds before a 1RM attempt might enhance bench-press performance in athletic men.

Physical Fitness Qualities of Professional Rugby League Football Players

A total of 146 professional rugby league football players, contracted to 2 teams competing in England (n = 45) and Australia (n = 101), participated in this study. All players completed the following series of physical fitness performance tests: 1 repetition maximum squat and bench press, 15-and 40-m sprint, agility run, 5-minute run for distance, 60-second sit-up, 30-second plyometric push-up, and measurement of body weight and subcutaneous skinfold (4 sites). Analysis of variance with a criterion α level of p < 0.05, was used to determine if any significant difference could be found when grouping players into 3 different positional categories typically identified in the sport. There were a number of significant differences with respect to test results between categories, and this was apparent for all 3 systems of categorization. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that to more efficiently structure the physical fitness training of players, the players should be grouped either according to the 2 broad positional categories of forwards or backs or according to the 4 categories of forwards, distributors, adjustables, and outside backs. Grouping players according to the 9 specific ositions played on the team is not warranted.

Physical Fitness Qualities of Professional Rugby League Football Players: Determination of Positional Differences

A total of 146 professional rugby league football players, contracted to 2 teams competing in England (n = 45) and Australia (n = 101), participated in this study. All players completed the following series of physical fitness performance tests: 1 repetition maximum squat and bench press, 15- and 40-m sprint, agility run, 5-minute run for distance, 60-second sit-up, 30-second plyometric push-up, and measurement of body weight and subcutaneous skinfold (4 sites). Analysis of variance with a criterion alpha level of p < 0.05, was used to determine if any significant difference could be found when grouping players into 3 different positional categories typically identified in the sport. There were a number of significant differences with respect to test results between categories, and this was apparent for all 3 systems of categorization. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that to more efficiently structure the physical fitness training of players, the players should be grouped either according to the 2 broad positional categories of forwards or backs or according to the 4 categories of forwards, distributors, adjustables, and outside backs. Grouping players according to the 9 specific positions played on the team is not warranted.

Comparison of Dynamic Push-Up Training and Plyometric Push-Up Training on Upper-Body Power and Strength

The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic pushup (DPU) and plyometric push-up (PPU) training programs on 2 criterion measures: (a) the distance achieved on a sitting, 2-handed medicine ball put, and (b) the maximum weight for 1 repetition of a sitting, 2-handed chest press. Thirty-five healthy women completed 18 training sessions over a 6-week period, with training time and repetitions matched for the DPU (n 5 17) and PPU (n 5 18) groups. Dynamic push-ups were completed from the knees, using a 2-second-up‐2-second-down cadence. Plyometric push-ups were also completed from the knees, with the subjects allowing themselves to fall forward onto their hands and then propelling themselves upward and back to the starting position, with 1 push-up completed every 4 seconds. The PPU group experienced significantly greater improvements than the DPU group on the medicine ball put (p 5 0.03). There was no significant difference between groups for the chest press, although the PPU group experienced greater increases.