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Waist to Hip Ratio 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

The objective of this test is to monitor the athlete's waist-to-hip ratio, which is related to the risk of coronary heart disease - Han (1995)[1] and Dobbelsteyn (2001)[2].

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Tape measure
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete is to stand with good posture and relax
  • The assistant measures and records the athlete's hips and waist measurements (inches)
  • The assistant divides the waist measurement by the hip measurement and records the result (hip-to-waist ratio)

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test.

The following table provides general guidelines for acceptable levels for the hip to waist ratio - Han (1991)[1].

  Acceptable Unacceptable
Rate Excellent Good Average High
Male < 0.85 0.85 - 0.90 0.90 - 0.95 > 0.95
Female < 0.75 0.75 - 0.80 0.80 - 0.85 > 0.85

For evaluating your hip-to-waist ratio, select the gender, enter the waist and hip measurements and then select the 'Assessment' button.

Gender Waist Hip     Ratio -

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with previous tests' results. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is often used to determine the coronary artery disease risk factor associated with obesity.

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. However, it is not a good predictor of body fat percentage, but it can be used to indicate changes in body composition over time.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. HAN, T. S. et al. (1995) Waist circumference action levels in the identification of cardiovascular risk factors: prevalence study in a random sample". BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 311 (7017), p. 1401-1405
  2. DOBBELSTEYN, C. J. et al. (2001) A comparative evaluation of waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index as indicators of cardiovascular risk factors. The Canadian Heart Health Surveys. Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord., 25 (5), p. 652–61

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2008) Waist to Hip Ratio Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/whrt.htm [Accessed