What is the most suitable medicine ball mass for assessing maximal upper-extremity power in the seated single-arm horizontal push test?

Introduction

Different medicine ball (MB) masses are used for the unilateral MB push to indirectly determine upper-extremity power. This study aimed to identify the most suitable MB mass for assessing maximal upper-extremity power through the seated single-arm horizontal push test (SSAHPT).

Methods

Thirty-four athletes performed the SSAHPT with three different MB masses (1 kg, 3 kg, and 5 kg) and the unilateral ballistic bench press test. For each limb, the SSAHPT distance was determined, and the maximal power (Pmax) and force-velocity profile (SFv) were extracted from the unilateral bench press test.

Results

For the 1-kg and 3-kg MB, SSAHPT performance variation was explained by the variations of Pmax and Dominance (R² = 0.82–0.86), with the effect of Pmax about 5.5 times greater than the effect of Dominance. For the 5-kg MB mass, SSAHPT performance variation was explained by the variations of Pmax, Dominance, and SFv (R² = 0.85). The effect of Pmax was 5.3 and 1.6 times greater than the effect of Dominance and SFv, respectively.

Conclusion

To limit the involvement of the athlete's force-velocity profile in SSAHPT performance with a 5-kg MB mass, it is advisable to use either a 1-kg or 3-kg MB mass when SSAHPT is employed to reflect maximal upper-extremity power.