Validity and feasibility of using a seated push-up test among community-dwelling older adults.
Puttipong Poncumhak, Supaporn Phadungkit, Pakwipa Chokphukiao and 3 others
PMID 37560167WHAT IT FOUND
A seated push-up test successfully identified lower body strength and mobility in older adults.
Passing the test required lifting 85% of bodyweight. The 1-minute version detected further differences in strength and endurance among those who passed the initial test.
Key findings
01Participants who passed the single seated push-up test lifted an average of 85% of their bodyweight, significantly more than those who failed, who lifted 71%.
02The upper limb loading during the seated push-up test showed moderate to strong correlations with body composition, muscle strength, and mobility measures.
03The 1-minute seated push-up test showed significant low to moderate correlations with lean body mass, muscle strength, and mobility, but not with bone mineral content or body fat mass.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was cross-sectional and included mostly well-functioning older adults with a normal body mass index, so findings may not apply to frail or obese individuals. Only 57 participants were assessed for body composition, which was added to the protocol after the study began, reducing the sample size for these correlations. The single push-up test showed a ceiling effect for participants with good functional ability, meaning it may not detect changes in stronger individuals.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by funding from the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. programme, Thailand Research Fund, and Khon Kaen University.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the single seated push-up test is sensitive enough to track progress in stronger patients. The authors note a ceiling effect, meaning high-functioning individuals may always pass or lift nearly 100% of their bodyweight, masking any real changes in their strength or condition.