Effects of Different Relative Loads on Power Performance During the Ballistic Push-up

Assessment of the Speed and Power of Push-Ups Performed on Surfaces with Different Degrees of Instability

(I) Training in unstable conditions, with different elements, platforms, or situations, has been used because there is a significant increase in muscle activation, balance, proprioception, and even sports performance. However, it is not known how the devices used are classified according to performance variables, nor the differences according to instability experience. (II) This study aims to analyze the differences in power and speed in push-ups with different situations of instability in trained and untrained male subjects. Power and speed in push-up exercise were analyzed in 26 untrained and 25 trained participants in 6 different situations (one stable and five unstable) (1) stable (PS), (2) monopodal (PM), (3) rings (PR), (4) TRX^® (PT), (5) hands-on Bosu^® (PH) (6) feet on Bosu^® (PF). The variables were analyzed using a linear position transducer. (III) The best data were evidenced with PS, followed by PR, PM, PT, PH and PF. The trained subjects obtained better results in all the conditions analyzed in mean and maximum power and speed values (p < 0.001). The decrease in these variables was significantly greater in the untrained subjects than in the trained subjects in the PR situation (8% and 18% respectively). In PF there were differences between groups (p < 0.001), reaching between 32-46% in all variables. The difference between the two groups was notable, varying between 12-58%. (IV) The results showed a negative and progressive influence of instability on power and speed in push-ups. This suggests that instability should be adapted to the subject's experience and is not advisable in untrained subjects who wish to improve power.

Effects on Strength, Power and Speed Execution Using Exercise Balls, Semi-Sphere Balance Balls and Suspension Training Devices: A Systematic Review

Research in instability has focused on the analysis of muscle activation. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the effects of unstable devices on speed, strength and muscle power measurements administered in the form of controlled trials to healthy individuals in adulthood. A computerized systematic literature search was performed through electronic databases. According to the criteria for preparing systematic reviews PRISMA, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated using STROBE. The average score was 14.3 points, and the highest scores were located in ‘Introduction’ (100%) and ‘Discussion’ (80%). There is great heterogeneity in terms of performance variables. However, instability seems to affect these variables negatively. The strength variable was affected to a greater degree, but with intensities near to the 1RM, no differences are observed. As for power, a greater number of repetitions seems to benefit the production of this variable in instability in the upper limb. Instability, in comparison to a stable condition, decreases the parameters of strength, power, and muscular speed in adults. The differences shown are quite significant in most situations although slight decreases can be seen in certain situations.

Comparison Between Bench Press Throw and Ballistic Push-up Tests to Assess Upper-Body Power in Trained Individuals

Bartolomei, S, Nigro, F, Ruggeri, S, Malagoli Lanzoni, I, Ciacci, S, Merni, F, Sadres, E, Hoffman, JR, and Semprini, G. Comparison between bench press throw and ballistic push-up tests to assess upper-body power in trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1503-1510, 2018-The purpose of this study was to validate the ballistic push-up (BPU) test performed with hands on a force plate as a method to measure upper-body power. Twenty-eight experienced resistance-trained men (age = 25.4 ± 5.2 years; body mass = 78.5 ± 9.0 kg; body height = 179.6 ± 7.8 cm) performed, 2 days apart, a bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test and upper-body power tests. Mean power (MP) and peak power (PP) were assessed using the bench press throw (BT) test and the BPU test performed in randomized order. The area under the force/power curve (AUC) obtained at BT was also calculated. Power expressed at BPU was estimated using a time-based prediction equation. Mean force and the participant's body weight were used to predict the bench press 1RM. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to examine relationships between the power assessment methods and between the predicted 1RM bench and the actual value. Large correlations (0.79; p < 0.001) were found between AUC and MP expressed at BPU. Large correlations were also detected between MP and PP expressed at BT and BPU (0.75; p < 0.001 and 0.74; p < 0.001, respectively). Very large correlations (0.87; p < 0.001) were found between the 1RM bench and the 1RM predicted by the BPU. Results of this study indicate that BPU represents a valid and reliable method to estimate the upper-body power in resistance-trained individuals.