The Study
Overhead shoulder press – In-front of the head or behind the head?
This study takes a snapshot of how people move when doing two types of shoulder presses. It can show differences between the two styles, but it can't prove that one causes injuries or is safer than the other.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
This study looked at two ways of lifting weights overhead — in front of your head or behind it — and checked how each affects your back and shoulders.
Where does this study sit?
Systematic Reviews & Meta-analyses
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control
Max 58Cross-Sectional
Max 44Case Reports & Series
Max 30Expert Opinion
Max 521 / 100
Quality score
Detailed descriptions of individual patients or small groups. Valuable for identifying new conditions or side effects, but cannot establish generalizable conclusions.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Lifting behind the head may be riskier for boys' shoulders, and girls may need stronger core muscles to keep good form.
- 2If you have normal shoulder motion and core strength, both lifts are safe.
- 333 people did seated overhead presses.
- 4The back-starting lift began with a rounded upper back, while the front-starting lift began with an arched upper back.
- 5The upper back stayed arched between 12° and 15° throughout for everyone.
- 6Boys kept a normal lower back curve; girls tended to round their lower backs.
- 7Boys’ shoulders rotated more than they normally can when lifting behind the head.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Journal of Sport and Health Science
Year
2015
Authors
M. McKean, B. Burkett
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.