Nationwide, universities and colleges are participating in health initiatives such as exercise in medicine, health and wellness expositions, and administering assessments to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all. Among some of the assessments conducted at the health and wellness expo hosted each semester by Kutztown University, were the hand dynamometer and push-up assessments. The purpose of this research was to determine and compare the upper body strength and endurance of students using the two assessments. The participants included 400 males and females, ages 18 and older over the course of one academic year. The maximum push-up test was based on correct technique while the hand strength test was based on a 3 second grip, attempted 3 times on both the dominant and non-dominant hand. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected from the assessments.

The descriptive results indicated that males possess greater upper body strength than females for both tests. The sophomore’s upper body strength and endurance were also greater across the classification, and 27% of male and 8% of female had equivalent push-up and handgrip strength and endurance. When comparing the dominant hand grip test, the dominant hand scores were higher by 135 for females while the makes were higher by 9%.

These findings reveal student’s lack muscular strength and endurance, a key component of fitness. However, with simplistic assessments like the push-up max test and the handgrip test being conducted each semester, this could generate and encourage activities geared towards improving upper body strength and endurance among all college students.