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Elbow load with various forearm positions during one-handed pushup exercise
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kao-hsiung Medical University, Kao-hsiung, Taiwan.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 7, 2002
Summary
The one-handed pushup is biomechanically demanding on the elbow. Rotating the hand outward increases elbow stress, raising injury risk during exercises and falls.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Elbow joint loading during active exercise, particularly high-load movements like the one-handed pushup, is not well-documented.
- Previous research on elbow loading primarily focused on passive or low-load scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the biomechanical impact of forearm rotation on elbow joint loading during the one-handed pushup.
- To identify hand positions that may increase the risk of elbow injury during this exercise.
Main Methods:
- Collected kinematic and kinetic data from eight volunteers performing one-handed pushups.
- Analyzed elbow joint loading across three forearm rotational positions: neutral, 90 degrees internal rotation, and 90 degrees external rotation.
- Utilized a Motion Analysis System and a Kistler Force Plate for data acquisition.
Main Results:
- Peak axial forces on the elbow averaged 65% of body weight in the neutral hand position.
- Both internal and external forearm rotations significantly reduced peak axial forces compared to the neutral position.
- External rotation of the hand resulted in a 50% greater peak valgus shear force compared to neutral or internal rotation.
Conclusions:
- Forearm rotation significantly influences elbow joint loading during the one-handed pushup.
- External hand rotation creates substantial valgus stress, potentially increasing elbow injury risk.
- Avoiding extreme external rotation is recommended during one-handed pushups and during forward falls with outstretched hands to mitigate elbow trauma.