Comparison of Dynamic Push-Up Training and Plyometric Push-Up Training on Upper-Body Power and Strength

The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic push-up (DPU) and plyometric push-up (PPU) training programs on 2 criterion measures: (a) the distance achieved on a sit-ting, 2-handed medicine ball put, and (b) the maximum weight for 1 repetition of a sitting, 2-handed chest press. Thirty-five healthy women completed 18 training sessions over a 6-week period, with training time and repetitions matched for the DPU (n 5 17) and PPU (n 5 18) groups. Dynamic push-ups were completed from the knees, using a 2-second-up–2-second-down cadence. Plyometric push-ups were also completed from the knees, with the subjects allow-ing themselves to fall forward onto their hands and then propelling themselves upward and back to the starting po-sition, with 1 push-up completed every 4 seconds. The PPU group experienced significantly greater improvements than the DPU group on the medicine ball put (p 5 0.03). There was no significant difference between groups for the chest press, although the PPU group experienced greater increases.