Comparative analysis of elbow joint loading in push-up and bench-press

Upper extremity pain and dysfunction are common orthopedic problems in individuals who practice physical activities involving the upper limbs. Push-ups (PUs) and bench-presses (BPs), representing closed kinetic chain (CKC) and open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises, respectively, are among the most popular training exercises for the upper extremity in sports training and clinical rehabilitation applications. Utilizing a self-developed exercise testing model, the present study examines the difference in elbow joint loading between OKC and CKC exercises of the upper extremity. As many as 15 physically healthy male subjects with an average age of 19.8 years (S.D. 1.4), an average height of 176.8 cm (S.D. 4.2), and an average weight of 69.27 kg (S.D. 5.0) were studied. Each subject was asked to perform two different types of exercise, namely PUs and BPs. The kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation of the elbow joint were calculated and analyzed using laboratory-developed motion analysis procedures. The PU exercises result in a greater loading on the elbow joint than the BP exercises, but produce a lower muscle activation. OKC exercises yield a greater muscle strengthening effect than CKC exercises. The increased shear stress on the elbow joint should be carefully noted when performing PU exercises. The results presented in this study provide valuable information for treatment and rehabilitation purposes in clinical applications.