Upper-Body Strength Measures and Pop-Up Performance of Stronger and Weaker Surfers

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of the isometric push-up (IPU), dynamic push-up (DPU), and force plate pop-up (FP POP) as measures of upper-body isometric and dynamic strength qualities in surfing athletes. Furthermore, the study aimed to compare pop-up performance between stronger and weaker surfers. Eighteen female (n=9) and male (n=9) surfers (age=28.1±6.4 yrs, mass=69.6±10.4 kg, height=172.5±6.7 cm) completed a battery of upper-body strength assessments, of which exhibited high between-day reliability: (IPU, (CV%=4.7, ICC=0.96), DPU (CV%=5.0, ICC=0.90), FP POP (CV%=4.4, ICC=0.90). Participants were subsequently split into stronger (n=9) and weaker (n=9) surfers based on normalized peak force (PF) attained in the IPU. Pop-up performance was measured both in the water and during the FP POP, and was referred to as time to pop (TTP). Significant between group differences were observed for normalized PF during IPU (d=1.59, p<0.01) and DPU (d=0.94 p=0.04). Although not significant, there was a large magnitude difference in FP POP (d=0.80, p=0.08) and FP TTP (d=0.85, p=0.07). Significant correlations were identified between normalized IPU PF and normalized DPU FP (r=0.69, p=0.03) and FP TTP (r=0.73, p=0.02) in the stronger group. The weaker group exhibited a significant inverse correlation between normalized IPU PF and in water TTP (r=-0.77, p<0.01). The results suggest improvements in pop-up performance may be elicited by improving dynamic strength for stronger surfers, whereas pop-up performance in weaker surfers may be elicited by improving maximum strength. The upper-body strength assessments provided a novel insight into strength qualities that are associated with in water performance of surfers (TTP).

Test–retest reliability of physical fitness tests among young athletes: The FITescola® battery

“…In some sports, such as surfing and rugby, the push‐up test is used to predict performance (Parsonage et al, 2017; Speranza, Gabbett, & Johnston, 2015). The push‐up test can be used as a differentiator tool between young non‐athletes and athletes.…”

The Assessment of Isometric, Dynamic, and Sports-Specific Upper-Body Strength in Male and Female Competitive Surfers

“…The force plate was calibrated prior to each data collection, using a two-point calibration for a fitted regression as per the manufacturer instructions. All upper-body strength assessments (IPU, DPU, and FP POP) have previously demonstrated high between day reliability by the current researchers (ICC = 0.90–0.96, CV% = 4.4–5.0) [ 13 ].…”

“…Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee approved the research and all procedures (13013). It must be acknowledged that a portion of the raw data analyzed in the current study has previously been published [ 13 ]. However, the current research questions are unique in their purpose, method of analysis, and subsequent findings.…”

“…Participants completed three upper-body strength assessments: isometric push-up (IPU), dynamic push-up (DPU), and force plate pop-up (FP POP) [ 13 ]. Participants were advised to refrain from any vigorous training 48 hours prior to testing on both days.…”

“…Examples of this include greater maximal strength associated with faster throwing velocity in handball players [ 10 ], greater peak power output associated with a higher vertical jump height in elite volleyball players [ 11 ], and greater normalized strength being highly associated with speed and change of direction in softball players [ 12 ]. In relation to surfing, Parsonage et al [ 13 ] previously investigated normalized PF application during an isometric (IPU) and dynamic push-up (DPU), and a surf-specific pop-up (FP POP), with the performance measure of time to pop-up recorded (TTP). It was reported that stronger surfers produced greater normalized isometric and dynamic upper-body strength with large magnitude difference in PF applied in the FP POP ( d = 0.80, p = 0.08) and a quicker TTP ( d = 0.85, p = 0.07).…”