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Sit-Ups 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 bear in mind 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:

  • Non-slip surface
  • Exercise Mat
  • Stopwatch
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to perform as many sit-ups as possible in 30 seconds.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The athlete lies on the mat with the knees bent, feet flat on the floor and their hands on their ears where they must stay throughout the test
  • The assistant holds the athlete's feet on the ground
  • The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
  • The athlete sits up touching the knees with their elbows, then returns to the floor and continues to perform as many sit-ups as possible in 30 seconds
  • The assistant keeps the athlete informed of the time remaining
  • The assistant counts and records the number of correct sit-ups completed in the 30 seconds and uses this recorded value to assess the athlete's performance

Sit Up Test

Sit Up Test

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test.

The following are norms for 16 to 19-year-olds (Davis 2000)[1].

Gender Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
Male >30 26 - 30 20 - 25 17 - 19 <17
Female >25 21 - 25 15 - 20 9 - 14 <9

For an evaluation of the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the number of sit-ups and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender Number of Sit-Ups     Assessment -

Assessment is based on the Davis (2000)[1] normative data table

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares 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 abdominal strength.

Target Group

This test is 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 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. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, 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 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. DAVIS, B. et al. (2000) Physical Education and the study of sport. 4th ed. London: Harcourt Publishers. p. 124

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Sit Ups Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/situptst.htm [Accessed