Researchers published a report in the latest issue of JAMA Network Open stating that between 2000 and 2010, they collected health data from 1,104 adult male firefighters.At the study's outset, the men averaged 39.6 years of age and were grouped into five intervals based on their maximum number of consecutive push-ups: 0–10, 11–20, 21–30, 31–40, and 40+. They underwent baseline and mid-term assessments in February 2000 and November 2007, respectively, evaluating push-up capacity and exercise endurance.
Results showed that over the 10-year period, 37 cases of cardiovascular disease occurred among these participants. Only one patient completed more than 40 push-ups during the baseline test, while the remaining patients failed to reach 40 repetitions.Analysis further revealed that men who completed fewer than 10 push-ups at baseline had the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease, while those who completed more than 40 push-ups had the lowest incidence.
Researchers noted that since this study only included adult men, the findings may not apply to women or men in other age groups. However, they emphasized that while larger studies are needed for validation, this research suggests push-ups may serve as a cost-free, quick, and simple method for clinically assessing physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk.