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BOARD PUSH AND PULL

Strengthen upper body and back extensor muscles through resistive pushing and pulling movements against water resistance.

Focus Upper Body
Environment Hydrotherapy pool
Pool Depth Fully Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment Yes

How to Perform

  1. Stand in chest-deep water with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed.
  2. Hold a plastic board (34×24 cm) with both hands, arms fully outstretched in front just below water surface.
  3. Pull the board backwards through the water toward your body.
  4. Push the board forward to starting position with controlled movement.
  5. Complete 10 repetitions at 45 beats per minute cadence.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Keep core engaged. Move board through full range. Control both push and pull phases. Maintain upright posture.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute shoulder injury or recent rotator cuff surgery. Caution with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Additional Safety Notes: Stop if shoulder pain develops. Keep board below water surface. Avoid jerky movements.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase cadence to 50-55 bpm. Add second set. Use larger board for more resistance.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Reduce range of motion. Slow cadence to 35 bpm. Use smaller board or hand paddles.

Attribution

Source TypePDF
Original AuthorPsycharakis SG, et al.
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationPhysiotherapy 116 (2022) 108-118 - The WATER Study
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypePDF
Additional InfoCross-sectional study with 20 CLBP participants, water temp 28°C, depth 1.25m