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This dumbbell press fitness test is part of the Brockport fitness testing battery, tests designed primarily for children with disabilities. It is an upper body strength and endurance test in which the subject performs as many overhead presses as possible using a 15lb (6.8kg) dumbbell, while sitting in a chair. This test protocol is summarized from The Brockport Physical Fitness Test Manual (Winnick & Short, 2014). For more details please see the official Brockport manual. See also a similar fitness test, the Brockport Bench Press Test.

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test purpose: to measure the maximum strength endurance of the shoulder and arm muscles.

equipment required: a 15lb (6.8kg) dumbbell, a sturdy chair, stopwatch, spotter.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject, and demonstrate the technique for a correct repetition. 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. Check equipment for safety and calibrate weights if required. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

procedure: The subject sits in a wheelchair or some other sturdy chair. The subject then grasps the dumbbell with the dominant hand, holding it close to the shoulder. From this starting position, they extend the elbow and lift the weight straight up and above the shoulder, making sure the elbow is completely extended (arm straight). The weight is then returned to the starting position. The exercise continues this action at a steady pace (3 to 4 seconds per rep) until they can no longer perform a correct repetition or they complete 50 repetitions.

scoring: the maximum number of full repetitions successfully completed is recorded, up to a maximum of 50. The test is also terminated if the subject rests for more than 4 seconds.

target population: as part of the Brockport testing protocols, this test is designed for children with disabilities, but it would be suitable for all children, and with a heavier weight could be adapted for use with adults.

comments: for safety, a spotter should stand next to the participant throughout the test.

reference: Winnick, J. P. & Short, F.X. (2014). The Brockport Physical Fitness Test Manual. 2nd Ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

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The Test in Action

• This test is part of the Brockport fitness testing battery

Similar Tests

• Brockport Bench Press — the subject performs as many bench presses as possible using a 35lb (15.9kg) barbell.
• Seated Push-up — extend the arms and raise the body out of a chair, and hold this position for as long as possible (also part of the Brockport protocols).

Related Pages

• About the Brockport test battery
• Other strength and power tests
• The overhead dumbbell press fitness exercise