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Static Flexibility Test - Shoulder & Wrist

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider factors influencing the results.

Objective

This test aims to monitor the development of the athlete's shoulder and wrist flexibility/mobility.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • 18" Stick
  • Metre Ruler
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The athlete lays prone on the floor, forehead on the ground, and arms extended, holding the 18” stick with both hands shoulder-width apart
  • The assistant measures and records the athlete's arm length from the acromial extremity to the stick
  • The athlete raises the stick as high as possible while keeping their forehead on the ground
  • The assistant measures and records the vertical distance from the ground to the bottom of the stick
  • Repeat the test 3 times, recording the vertical distance achieved
  • The assistant subtracts the longest recorded vertical distance from the recorded arm length, and the result is used to assess the athlete's performance
 Shoulder Wrist Flexibility

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test. The table, adapted from Johnson (1986)[1], is for athletes under 36.

Rating Men Women
Excellent <6.0 <5.50
Good 6.00 - 8.24 5.50 - 7.49
Average 8.25 - 11.49 7.50 - 10.74
Fair 11.50 -12.50 10.75 - 11.75
Poor >12.50 >11.75

To evaluate the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the distance and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender   Distance inches     Assessment

Analysis

The test result is analysed by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's shoulder and wrist flexibility with appropriate training between each test. The following link provides a variety of factors influencing the results and therefore, test reliability.

Target Group

These tests are suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. JOHNSON, B.L. and NELSON, J.K. (1986) Practical Measurements for Evaluation in PE. 4th ed. Minneapolis: Burgess Publishing

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2007) Static Flexibility Test - Shoulder and Wrist [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest2.htm [Accessed