Cadence Push-Up Test Calculator

The push-up test measures upper body strength and endurance. In this test, the maximum number of push-ups performed at a rate of one every three seconds is recorded (20 push-ups per minute).

the push-up

The following information describes the procedures as used for many testing protocols, such as the FitnessGram Program, the President's Challenge Fitness Awards, the Connecticut Physical Fitness Test and the Brockport fitness testing battery. There is also another push-up beep test though it is performed at a faster rate of 25 per minute.

Equipment Required

Floor mat, a method of indicating the desired pace of 20 per minute (simply, you can call out at the set cadence using a stopwatch. See this page for other options for keeping pace. The PACER cd also includes a push-up cadence track. You can also create an audio track using the Team Beep Test software).

Pre-Test Procedures

Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Perform a standard warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

Test Procedure

Start in the push-up position with the hands and toes touching the floor, the body and legs in a straight line, feet slightly apart, the arms at shoulder width apart, extended and at a right angle to the body. Keeping the back and knees straight, the subject lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, with the upper arms parallel to the floor. A partner holds their hand at the point of the 90-degree angle so that the subject being tested goes down only until their shoulder touches the partner's hand, then back up. The push-ups are done in time to a metronome or similar device with one complete push-up every three seconds (1.5 seconds down and 1.5 seconds up, 20 complete push-ups per minute). The subject continues until they can do no more in rhythm (has not done the last three in rhythm) or has reached the target number of push-ups. (see push-up videos for some examples)

Test Variations

The alternative test to this push-up test for the President's Challenge is the pull-up or flexed arm hang. There is also a cadence Bench Press Test.

Scoring

Record the number of correctly completed push-ups that were performed in time to the rhythm.

Target Population

This test is appropriate for sports in which upper body strength is important, including gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, football, basketball, and martial arts.

Advantages

This test is easy and quick to perform, requires minimal equipment, and can be conducted with large groups simultaneously.

Test Comments

The participants should be instructed to spend as little time in the starting position beforehand in order to reduce fatigue and increase the number of repetitions. The test is also sometimes called the press up test.