Canadian Crunch 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 development of the athlete's abdominal strength.
Required Resources
To conduct this test, you will require:
- Flat non-slip surface
- Strips of tape
- 12" Ruler
- Metronome
- Assistant
How to conduct the test
This test requires the athlete to perform curl-ups at a rate of 40/minute until they cannot maintain this rate.
- The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
- The assistant sets the metronome to 40 beats per minute (BPM)
- The athlete lies on their back with arms extended to their sides
- The assistant places a strip of tape on the floor at the end of their fingertips
- The assistant places another piece of tape 3 inches away from the first strip
- The assistant gives the command “GO” and the athlete curls up (crunches), so their fingers move from one strip of tape to the next and back in time with the 40 BPM metronome
- The athlete is to perform as many crunches as possible until they are unable to keep in time with the metronome or unable to continue
- The assistant counts and records the number of correctly completed crunches which are then used to assess the athlete's performance
Assessment
I have been unable to locate any normative data for this test.
A good score for this test is 50 crunches for men and 40 for women.
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 core strength with appropriate training between each test.
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 its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, the test reliability.
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 training on the athlete's physical development.
Advantages
- Minimal equipment required
- Simple to set up and conduct
- Can be conducted almost anywhere
Disadvantages
- Specialist equipment required - Metronome
- Assistant required to administer the test
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2005) Canadian Crunch Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/crunchtest.htm [Accessed