Association between Push-ups Exercise Capacity and Flexibility Level among Office Workers

Abstract

Background: The rapid advancement in technology has led to a decrease in physical activities among office workers, resulting in sedentary lifestyles and associated health issues. Understanding the relationship between exercise capacity and flexibility can help in designing effective physical activity programs.

Objective: This study aims to assess the association between push-up exercise capacity and flexibility level among office workers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Memon Medical Institute Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, with 178 office workers, including both males and females over 18 years of age who work more than 6 hours per day. Participants with neck or low back pain, recent surgeries or trauma to the spine, congenital spinal anomalies, or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. The MicroFit system was used to measure back flexibility, push-up capacity, and bicep strength. Push-ups were performed with participants lowering their bodies to a predetermined level and repeating the action until fatigue. Flexibility was assessed using a sit-and-reach test, with participants reaching forward as far as possible while sitting. Bicep strength was measured using a pull bar with participants standing on a weight machine. Data analysis included chi-square tests and Pearson correlation coefficients to examine associations between gender, age, and fitness levels.

Results: Of the 178 participants, 66% were male and 34% were female. The mean age was 36.8 ± 10.4 years. A significant association was found between gender and fitness levels, with males demonstrating higher bicep strength (mean 24.7 ± 11.8) and push-up capacity (mean 8.4 ± 7.4), while females showed higher back flexibility (mean 26.9 ± 9.5). The chi-square tests for biceps strength and push-ups were X² = 128.3, p < 0.001, and X² = 45.3, p < 0.05, respectively. No significant association was found between gender and back flexibility (X² = 37.3, p = 0.502). A strong positive correlation was observed between age and bicep strength (r = 0.001, p = 0.990) and a negative correlation between age and back flexibility (r = -0.013, p = 0.867), indicating a decrease in fitness with increasing age.

Conclusion: The study concludes that males have higher bicep strength and push-up capacity, while females exhibit greater back flexibility. A significant association exists between gender and fitness levels, and there is a notable decline in physical fitness with age, highlighting the need for targeted exercise interventions for office workers.