About the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test

The Trunk Stability Push-Up Test (TSPU) is a variation of the push-up fitness test, used as part of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Participants are required to push up from the ground while keeping the body straight with no sagging. This is a test of core strength and trunk stability.

Test Purpose: To measure trunk stability and assess the suitability for push-up training.

Equipment Required: Flat and clean surface.

Pre-Test Procedures: Explain the test procedures to the subject, and demonstrate the correct technique. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Perform a standard warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

How to Perform the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test

Procedure: The subject lies face down with the hands shoulder-width apart and positioned with the thumbs in line with either the top of the head (men) or chin (women). The legs must be together and toes on the ground. When ready, the body is stiffened and the elbows extended, lifting the body off the floor as a single unit, keeping the torso and legs in a straight line. If the movement cannot be completed as described, move the hands closer to the body so that the thumbs are in line with either the chin (men) or clavicles (women). Repeat a second time if required.

the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test The up push-up position, though in the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test the hands are further forward

Understanding Your Score

Scoring: Assess the quality of the push-up to determine if the body is raised as a unit with no sagging. Give a score between 0 and 3.

  • Score 0: Failed to complete, with pain (refer for medical assessment)
  • Score 1: Failed to complete, no pain
  • Score 2: Completed successfully from the chin (men) or clavicles (women)
  • Score 3: Completed successfully from top of the head (men) or chin (women)

The Science Behind the Test

The Trunk Stability Push-Up Test assesses the ability to stabilize the spine in an anterior and posterior plane during a closed kinetic chain upper body movement. The test challenges the trunk stabilizers to transfer force symmetrically from the upper extremities through the trunk without allowing spinal extension or rotation.

Research by Gray Cook and colleagues developed this test as part of the FMS battery to identify compensatory movement patterns that may increase injury risk. The test specifically evaluates the reflexive stability of the core musculature during upper body pressing movements, which is essential for athletic performance in throwing, pushing, and contact sports.

Studies have shown that athletes with lower FMS scores, including the trunk stability component, demonstrate higher injury rates. The test helps identify athletes who may benefit from corrective exercise programming before progressing to more demanding training loads.

Sport-Specific Applications

The Trunk Stability Push-Up Test is particularly relevant for athletes in sports requiring:

Contact Sports (Football, Rugby, Wrestling, MMA): Athletes must maintain spinal stability during impacts and tackles. A score of 3 indicates adequate core stability for contact training. Lower scores suggest vulnerability to spinal injuries during high-force impacts.

Overhead Sports (Baseball, Swimming, Volleyball, Tennis): Core stability transfers force from the lower body through the trunk to the throwing or serving arm. Poor trunk stability compromises power transfer and increases shoulder injury risk.

Military and Tactical Athletes: Load carriage, obstacle negotiation, and combative tasks require excellent trunk stability. The FMS including the TSPU is widely used in military pre-participation screening.

How to Improve Your Score

If you score below 3 on the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test, consider implementing the following corrective strategies:

For Score 1 (Cannot Complete):

  • Begin with prone plank holds focusing on maintaining neutral spine
  • Progress to elevated push-ups (hands on bench or box)
  • Practice dead bug exercises to develop anti-extension strength
  • Include bird dog progressions for coordinated stability

For Score 2 (Modified Position):

  • Practice standard push-ups with emphasis on core bracing
  • Add push-up progressions with pause at bottom position
  • Include anti-extension exercises like ab wheel rollouts (modified)
  • Strengthen hip flexors with hanging leg raises (bent knee)

General Core Stability Programming:

  • Train anti-extension, anti-rotation, and anti-lateral flexion patterns
  • Progress from stable to unstable surfaces gradually
  • Include loaded carries (farmer walks, suitcase carries) for dynamic stability
  • Retest every 4-6 weeks to assess progress

Test Variations

Variations: A similar test of core stability is the Isometric Push-Up Test, part of the Brockport fitness testing battery, in which participants are required to hold a raised push-up position for as long as 40 seconds. See also the Plank Fitness Test and Side Ramp Tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test?

The Trunk Stability Push-Up Test (TSPU) is a component of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) that assesses core strength and trunk stability. It requires performing a push-up while maintaining a rigid torso with no sagging or spinal movement, evaluating the ability to transfer force through the core during upper body movements.

How is the Trunk Stability Push-Up Test scored?

The test uses a 0-3 scoring system. Score 3 is awarded for completing the push-up with hands at the top of head (men) or chin (women). Score 2 is for completing with hands at the chin (men) or clavicles (women). Score 1 indicates failure to complete without pain. Score 0 is assigned when pain is experienced, requiring medical referral.

What muscles does the test assess?

The test primarily assesses the deep core stabilizers including the transverse abdominis, internal obliques, and multifidus muscles. It also evaluates the pectoralis major, anterior deltoids, and triceps. Most importantly, it tests the coordination of these muscle groups to maintain spinal stability during movement.

Why are hand positions different for men and women?

Different starting hand positions account for anatomical and upper body strength differences between sexes. Men start with thumbs at forehead level while women start at chin level. This ensures the test appropriately challenges trunk stability relative to individual upper body strength capabilities.

What does a score of 0 mean?

A score of 0 indicates the participant experienced pain during the test attempt. This warrants immediate referral to a healthcare professional for evaluation before continuing with any training or further testing. Pain during movement screens may indicate underlying dysfunction requiring medical attention.

How can I improve my score?

Improve your score through progressive core stability training including plank variations, dead bugs, bird dogs, and anti-extension exercises. Focus on maintaining a neutral spine during all movements. Gradually progress push-up difficulty while maintaining perfect form. Retest every 4-6 weeks to measure improvement.

Is this test valid for all athletes?

The test is validated for healthy adult populations and is widely used in athletic screening programs. However, research shows its predictive validity varies across different sports. It is most valuable when used as part of the complete FMS battery rather than as a standalone assessment tool.

References

  1. Cook, G., Burton, L., Hoogenboom, B.J., & Voight, M. (2014). "Functional Movement Screening: The Use of Fundamental Movements as an Assessment of Function." International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 9(3), 396-409.
  2. Lockie, R.G., Callaghan, S.J., Jordan, C.A., Luczo, T.M., & Jeffriess, M.D. (2013). "Does the Trunk Stability Push-Up Provide an Effective Measure of Upper-Body Function Specific to Male Team Sport Athletes?" Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 2:4.
  3. Lockie, R.G., Jalilvand, F., Jordan, C.A., Callaghan, S.J., & Jeffriess, M.D. (2015). "Research-Grade Scoring for the Functional Movement Screen and Relationships with Athletic Performance Tests in Team Sport Athletes." Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 4:1.
  4. Philp, F., Blana, D., Chadwick, E.K., et al. (2018). "Study of the Measurement and Predictive Validity of the Functional Movement Screen." BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 4:e000357.
  5. Kiesel, K., Plisky, P.J., & Voight, M.L. (2007). "Can Serious Injury in Professional Football be Predicted by a Preseason Functional Movement Screen?" North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2(3), 147-158.
  6. Chorba, R.S., Chorba, D.J., Bouillon, L.E., Overmyer, C.A., & Landis, J.A. (2010). "Use of a Functional Movement Screening Tool to Determine Injury Risk in Female Collegiate Athletes." North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 5(2), 47-54.
  7. McGill, S.M. (2010). "Core Training: Evidence Translating to Better Performance and Injury Prevention." Strength and Conditioning Journal, 32(3), 33-46.