Static Flexibility Test - Trunk and Neck

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 trunk and neck flexibility/mobility.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Metre Ruler
Two Assistants

How to conduct the test

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The athlete lies prone on the floor with hands clasped at the side of the head
The 1st assistant holds the athlete's feet down on the ground throughout the test
The athlete raises their head and trunk as high as possible
The 2nd assistant measures and records the vertical distance from the ground to the tip of the athlete's nose
The test is repeated 3 times
The longest recorded vertical distance is used to assess the athlete's performance

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	>10.00	>9.75
Good	8.00 - 10.00	7.75 - 9.75
Average	6.00 - 7.99	5.75 - 7.74
Fair	3.00 - 5.99	2.00 - 5.74
Poor	<3.00	<2.00

For evaluating the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the distance and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender

Distance inches

Assessment

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's trunk and neck flexibility with appropriate training between each test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and 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 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.

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

Assistant required to administer the test

References

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 - Trunk and Neck [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest3.htm [Accessed