Examination of Pull-Ups and Push-Ups as Possible Alternatives to the Flexed Arm Hang on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test
Abstract
The Flexed-Arm Hang (FAH) has been an event on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test since 1975. This study evaluated alternative tests that would avoid deficiencies in the FAH as a test of dynamic upper body strength and determine the best test of dynamic upper body strength for female Marines within certain parameters (e.g., minimal equipment, training for the test enhances physical performance in dynamic military tasks). The sample consisted of 318 female Marine volunteers from Marine Corps Training and Education Command units. Participants performed four tests: dead-hang pull-ups, movement pull-ups, self-paced push-ups, and cadence push-ups. Participants? most recent Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score and their FAH time were collected from existing records. Scores were similar to those of females Marine Corps-wide. The sample pull-ups scores were positively skewed, FAH times were negatively skewed, and push-up scores were normally distributed. Intertest correlations were consistent with meta-analytic results establishing all three tests as measures of a common muscle endurance factor. Age group differences were minor. Pull-up training improved performance, but push-up training did not. Study participants test performances were comparable to those in other military samples. The FAH was sensitive to differences at the low end of the muscle endurance continuum; pull-ups were sensitive to muscle strength and endurance differences at the high end of the continuum. Pull-ups are a suitable and feasible test of upper body strength and endurance for female Marines. Considering the numbers of Marines who may not be able to complete pull-ups initially upon implementation of such a test, combining the FAH and pull-ups would be a suitable implementation measure. A push-up test is another option, though it is less of a test of strength than the pull-ups. Encouraging pull-ups training would do more to improve muscle strength and endurance than encouraging push-up training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA554498
Entities
People
- Anne Curry
- Brian Mcguire
- John H. Reynolds
- Ross R. Vickers
- Ryan Massimo
- Timothy Bockelman
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center