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Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings

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Published on: July 26, 2022

Ground reaction force patterns in plyometric push-ups.

Jenna Koch¹, Bryan L Riemann, George J Davies

¹Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Department of Health Sciences, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA.

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

|October 12, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Upper extremity plyometrics like the clap push-up show higher loading and propulsion rates compared to box drop push-ups. This suggests the clap push-up may be a more powerful exercise for training.

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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

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Published on: September 11, 2019

Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Sports Science

Background:

Limited data exists on loads and intensity for upper extremity plyometrics compared to lower extremity.
Understanding plyometric exercise characteristics is crucial for effective training program design.
Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) metrics provide insight into exercise intensity and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) characteristics between clap push-ups and box drop push-ups at varying heights (3.8 cm, 7.6 cm, 11.4 cm).
To analyze differences in vGRF parameters between dominant and nondominant limbs during upper extremity plyometric exercises.
To provide data for developing upper extremity plyometric progression strategies.

Main Methods:

Twenty-two healthy active males performed clap push-ups and box drop push-ups from three different heights (BD1, BD2, BD3).
Measurements included peak vGRF, time-to-peak vGRF, loading rate (LR), and propulsion rate (PR) for each limb.
Statistical analysis involved repeated measures ANOVA, with ground contact time (GCT) also compared.

Main Results:

Clap push-ups had a significantly shorter ground contact time (GCT) than box drop push-ups (BD1, BD2).
Peak vGRF was similar across variations, but significantly different between dominant and nondominant limbs.
The clap push-up demonstrated significantly higher loading rate (LR) and propulsion rate (PR) compared to all box drop variations. The dominant limb showed higher LR than the nondominant limb across all variations.

Conclusions:

Altering box height did not significantly affect peak vGRF in box drop push-ups.
The clap push-up exhibits higher loading and propulsion rates, suggesting it may be a more potent upper body plyometric exercise.
A bilateral disparity in eccentric loading rate exists, with the dominant limb exhibiting higher rates, particularly in the clap and highest box drop variations.