90 Degree Push up test

What are we assessing???

Measuring upper body strength and endurance, students
lower their body to a 90-degree elbow angle and push up. Set to a
specified pace, students complete as many repetitions as possible.

DATE OF OUR NEXT ASSESSMENT??
Our Push-up test will be completed on August 24th, 2010

Preparation- Students are asked to wear loose fitted clothing, (appropriate for Physical Education, stated in the school handbook.)
Socks and sneakers only, no jewelry of any kind.

Procedure-Start in the push up position - with the hands and toes touching the floor, the body and legs are in a straight line, feet slightly apart, the arms at shoulder width apart, extended and at a right angles to the body. Keeping the back and knees straight, the student lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, with the upper arms parallel to the floor. An will be set at the point of the 90-degree angle so that the student being tested goes down only until their chest touches the object, then back up. The push-ups are done in time to a cadence with one complete push-up every three seconds (1.5 seconds down and 1.5 seconds up, 20 complete push-ups per minute).

The student will be asked to stop the test after 2 mistakes. If the student has lost form, does not keep a flat back, does not reach the 90 degree angle, stops to rest, does not fully extend the arms or loses rhythm.

Scoring: The number of correctly completed push-ups that were performed in time to the rhythm.

Standards for girls-

17+ 7-15 completed = Healthy Zone
Above 15 = Fit Zone
17+ Below 7 = needs improvement


Standards for boys-

17+ 18-35 completed = Healthy Zone
Above 35 = Fit zone
17+ Below 18 = needs improvement


Is this test Reliable?
Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.
In our case, as a Physical educator I am constantly giving feedback, and corrections to the students so they understand exactly what needed to be done in order to accomplish this test successfully. If the students are not staying with the cadence of the CD, the results will vary. Each time we do this it will be more and more reliable.

Is This test Valid?
This is a valid test. It is approved by NASPE Standards. This is a valid measure for muscular strength and endurance.
The way this test is administered is more effective than other available physical fitness tests
for three reasons. First, it compares scores to carefully researched and
developed health standards rather than to national averages. Second, it
emphasizes measures of health-related physical fitness instead of performance
of physical or sport-related skills. Third, it goes beyond mere measurement to
recommend individualized physical activity program options that will help
students in the areas where they need improvement.
Students receive objective, personalized feedback and positive
reinforcement which are vital to changing behavior and serve as a
communications link between teachers and parents.

OUR TEST RESULTS FOR TRIAL 1:
Range= 47
Standard Deviation= 14.31
Average Girls= 14.285
Average Boys= 35.45
Class Average= 28.3

OUR TEST RESULTS FOR TRIAL 2:
Range= 48
Standard Deviation= 14.44
Average Girls= 16.285
Average Boys= 36.81
Class Average= 28.8

Improving In/Out of class?
Yes, the student can improve their push up results. During the marking period I will be handing out a worksheet for the students to complete at home for extra credit. If they can increase the amount of push ups by 3 each week for the whole month they will receive 3 points extra credit. They will also need a parent or guardian signature.

I will also be going over different exercises in class to improve the push up. We will work on an isometric hold which will help increase core strength and stability.

The students will be given the option to practice their push ups on a raised surface which helps to make it easier until they are better at the exercise.

If the student is strong in performing the push up, we will be working going down slowly through the eccentric phase for a count of 8, and then back up. This will increase strength, endurance and core strength.

If the student is not as strong in the push up, they can practice by putting their feet on a bed and hands on the floor. They can hold this position for as long as they can. Each time it is done, they can time themselves and try to beat their own time.

IN- Class Practice:
For the remainder of the school year, we will be having "Fun Friday Practice Tests." During this time, the students will work with a partner on trying to improve their push up form, strength and endurance. They will also be working with the cadence so they get used to the rhythm of the test.