The Push-IT is the quickest and easiest AxIT device to use. Whether using this device as a handheld strength tester, or testing isometric strength using the Isometric Cap, Push-IT can help you collect actionable data with the people that you work with.
Using the Push-IT as a handheld strength testing device is one of the simplest ways that you can test the strength of your clients. Handheld strength testing has been performed for decades using strength testing devices and has been considered a valid and reliable way to measure isometric strength in many clients. It may however not be appropriate in extremely strong clients, particularly in muscles of the lower limb such as the Quadriceps so consider this when managing clients who fit this criteria.
Make It Or Break It:
Two main protocols have been used when using handheld strength testing devices named the Make It or Break It protocols.
Make It: The make technique requires the client to exert a maximal isometric contraction while the examiner holds the Push-IT in a fixed position.
Break It: The break technique, in contrast, requires the examiner to overpower a maximal effort by the client, thereby producing a measurement of eccentric muscle strength.
Research has shown that a Break It protocol can produce a result 5-30% greater than the equivalent Make It test.
We recommend the Make It protocol as standard due to greater reliability a reducing the variable of how much and the speed at which ant overpressure is applied. A Break It test may be appropriate when wanting to specifically investigate eccentric strength capacity for an area.