Push-Up Techniques Affect Elbows and Shoulders: How Should They Be Used?

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Push-ups are a common exercise for upper body strength and evaluation.
• Extended wrist push-ups can lead to wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries, limiting participation for those with prior injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare elbow and shoulder joint movement patterns during neutral versus extended wrist push-ups.
• To hypothesize differences in force transfer between the two push-up styles for training protocol adjustment.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen healthy males performed push-ups with neutral and hyperextended wrists.
• Motion capture technology (Vicon) tracked upper extremity kinematics.
• Force plates measured ground reaction forces.

Main Results:

• Shoulder and elbow joint loading and movement patterns differ significantly between neutral and extended wrist push-ups.
• Neutral wrist push-ups result in less elbow movement and load, and more shoulder movement and load compared to extended wrist push-ups.
• The direction and magnitude of joint forces vary between the two push-up styles.

Conclusions:

• Push-up style significantly impacts upper extremity joint kinematics and kinetics.
• Neutral wrist push-ups can protect the wrist and elbow from ligamentous injury.
• Understanding these differences enables customized strengthening, treatment, and rehabilitation programs for various athletic demands.