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Static Flexibility Test - Hip and Trunk

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 hip and trunk flexibility.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Wall
  • Box
  • Tape
  • Metre Ruler
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes and then removes their shoes
  • The assistant secures the ruler to the box top with the tape so that the front edge of the box lines up with the zero mark on the ruler and the zero end of the ruler points towards the athlete
  • The athlete sits on the floor with their legs fully extended and the bottom of their bare feet against the box
  • The athlete places one hand on top of the other, slowly bends forward and reaches along the top of the ruler as far as possible, holding the stretch for two seconds
  • The assistant records the distance reached by the athlete's fingertips
  • The athlete performs the test three times
  • The assistant calculates and records the average of the three distances and uses this value to assess the athlete's performance
 Sit and Reach

Assessment

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

Rating Men Women
Excellent >17.9 >17.9
Good 17.0 - 17.9 16.7 - 17.9
Average 15.8 - 16.9 16.2 - 16.6
Fair 15.0 - 15.7 15.8 - 16.1
Poor <15.0 <15.8

The following table is for athletes aged 36 to 49 (Johnson (1986)[1])

Rating Men Women
Excellent >16.1 >17.4
Good 14.6 - 16.1 16.2 - 17.4
Average 13.9 - 14.5 15.2 - 16.1
Fair 13.4 - 13.8 14.5 - 15.1
Poor <13.4 <14.5

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

Age 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 hip and trunk flexibility with appropriate training between each test. The following link provides various 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 how the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made 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

  • 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 - Hip and Trunk [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest1.htm [Accessed