Biomechanical Analysis of Suspension Training Push-up

The aims of this study were to evaluate the load distribution between upper and lower extremities during suspension training (ST) push-up at different length of ST device and to predict useful equations to estimate the training load. After giving their informed consent of participation, twenty-five subjects (male=17, female=8; age=28.1+/-5.2years; weight=69.4+/-14.3kg; height=171.6+/-11.3cm; BMI=23.4+/-3.3kg[middle dot]m-2) were involved in the study. Each subject performed 14 static push-ups at 7 different lengths of ST device in two different elbow positions. The load distribution between upper and lower extremities was evaluated through a load cell and a force platform, respectively. To evaluate body inclination all tests were recorded and analyzed through motion analysis software. To estimate the training load a multi-level model regression (P<0.05) was used. Results showed that when the length of ST device increased, the body inclination decreased, while the ground reaction force decreased and the load on the ST device increased. Moreover, when subjects moved from extended to flex elbow, the ground reaction force decreased and the load on the ST device increased. In the created regression model (ICC=0.24), the reaction force was the dependent variable, while length of ST device, BMI, and elbow position were the independent variables. The main findings were that the load distribution between upper and lower extremities changes both when modifying the body inclination and the length of the straps. The use of predicted equations could help practitioners to personalize the workouts according to different specific aims by modifying the length of the ST device to guarantee load progression.