Test-retest reliability of an explosive push-up as a measure of upper body power.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of force-time derived parameters of an explosive push up. Seven highly strength trained males participated in two independent trials, separated by 48 hours, and completed six maximal effort explosive push up trials on dual mounted Kistler force platforms. Subsequently, various performance parameters were calculated. Systematic and random error was assessed to evaluate intersession reliability, together with coefficient of variation (CV) and typical error (TE). No systematic bias was detected between trials for any parameter. Moderate to high reliability was observed for the majority of variables (CV= 0.7-8.7%), with the exception of peak displacement and contact time (CV= 13.8-15.8%). Average and peak force and power measures exhibited the highest reliability (CV= 0.1-8.7%). Findings establish that selected force platform derived kinetic and kinematic parameters of an explosive push up are reliable in highly strength-trained individuals.