Standing Stork 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 factors influencing the results.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's ability to maintain a state of equilibrium (balance) in a static position.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Warm, dry location - gym
Stopwatch
Assistant

How to conduct the test

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The athlete stands comfortably on both feet with their hands on their hips
The athlete lifts the right leg and places the sole of the right foot against the side of the left kneecap
The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch, and the athlete raises the heel of the left foot to stand on their toes
The athlete is to hold this position for as long as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's left heel touches the ground or the right foot moves away from the left knee
The assistant records the time
The athlete rests for 3 minutes
The athlete stands comfortably on both feet with their hands on their hips
The athlete lifts the left leg and places the sole of the left foot against the side of the right kneecap
The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch, and the athlete raises the heel of the right foot to stand on their toes
The athlete is to hold this position for as long as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's right heel touches the ground or the left foot moves away from the right kneecap
The assistant records the time

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test.

The following table (Johnson & Nelson 1979)^[1]shows national norms for 16 to 19-year-olds.

	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Males	>50	41-50	31-40	20-30	<20
Females	>30	23-30	16-22	10-15	<10

The following table (Schell & Leelarthaepin 1994)^[2] shows norms for males and females.

	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Males	>50	37-50	15-36	5-14	<5
Females	>27	23-27	8-22	3-7	<3

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 static balance with appropriate training between each test.

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 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 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

No equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct
It can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

Assistant required to administer the test

References

JOHNSON, B.L. and NELSON, J.K. (1979) Practical measurements for evaluation in physical education. 4th Edit. Minneapolis: Burgess
SCHELL, J. and LEELARTHAEPIN, B (1994) Physical Fitness Assessment in Exercise and Sports Science. 2nd Ed, Leelar Biomedisience Services, Matraville, NSW. p. 327

Page Reference

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

MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Standing Stork Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/storktst.htm [Accessed 26/3/2025]

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