Flexed Arm-Hang Test

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 the factors influencing the results.

Objective

This test aims to monitor the muscular endurance of the athlete's elbow flexors and shoulder extensors.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

A bar above head height
Stopwatch
Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to perform and hold a chin-up position, using a bar above head height, for as long as possible.

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The athlete uses a flexed arm hang position with the palms of the hand facing them
Using their arms, the athlete raises their chin above the bar to the "start position"
Once the athlete is in the "start position" the assistant starts the stopwatch
The athlete is to maintain the "start position" for as long as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's chin drops below the top of the bar or 30 seconds have elapsed
The assistant records the time the "start position " was held for

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test:

Gender	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Male	>13	9 - 13	6 - 8	3 - 5	<3
Female	>6	5 - 6	3 - 4	1 - 2	0

Table adapted from Davis et al. (2000) ^[3]

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is done by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's strength endurance (Cotten 1990)^[1]

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how 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 (Pate 1993)^[2]

Advantages

Minimal equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct

Disadvantages

Assistant required to administer the test

References

COTTEN, D.J. (1990) An analysis of the NCYFS II Modified Pull-up Test. Res Q Exerc Sport, 61 (3), p. 272-4.
PATE, R.R. et al. (1993) Validity of field tests of upper body muscular strength. Res Q Exerc Sport, 64 (1), p. 17-24.
DAVIS, B. et al. (2000) Physical Education and the Study of Sport. UK: London, Harcourt Publishers Ltd. p. 124 Table 4.4

Page Reference

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

MACKENZIE, B. (2005) Flexed Arm-Hang Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/armtest.htm [Accessed