Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

Muscular strength is the amount of force applied against a resistance. Strength is often confused with power. However it is one of the three components of power; the other two involve speed and distance.

Strength may be measured in two ways: DYNAMIC (isotonic) contraction where muscles move through a range of motion; and STATIC (isometric) contraction where muscles are in a fixed position. The main problem with static contraction tests is the difficulty in doing repeat tests at exactly the same position, making this test less reliable.

Omit this test if the client so wishes, if he is over 50, or is in poor physical condition.

TEST: Push-ups

AGE: 17-60

PURPOSE: To determine upper body strength

SEX: Male and Female

EQUIPMENT: Stopwatch

PROCEDURE: The client lies on his stomach, hands just outside shoulders. The tester gives the signal: "ready, go."

On the word "go" the stopwatch is started and the client begins. He will perform as many correct push-ups as possible in 60 seconds.

Only those push-ups done in a CORRECT MANNER are counted. One push-up is correctly completed when the arms are fully extended and the client returns to the down position (chest touching the floor). The client may pause whenever necessary.

At the end of the 60 seconds the tester gives the signal: ''stop." Note the number of correctly executed push-ups on the "Health/Fitness Test Results" sheet.

Males do straight/rigid pushups

Females do pushups with the knees bent.