Biceps Curl Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of this test is to assess the strength of the athlete's biceps

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• A set of dumbbells
• Bench
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to complete as many biceps curls as possible with no rest.

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing 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 strength of the athlete's biceps. The 1RM for the left and right biceps should not differ by more than 10%.

Dohoney et al. (2002)^[1] following thier research, identified the following equations to determine 1-RM for the bicep curl test:

• 4-6RM : 19.97 + (0.81 x weight) + (2.31 x number of reps)
• 7-10RM : 23.9 + (0.77 x weight) + (2.16 x number of reps)

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes but not for individuals 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. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct
• The test can be administered by the athlete

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required

Referenced Material

1. DOHONEY, P. et al. (2002) Prediction of one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength from a 4-6 RM and a 7-10 RM submaximal strength test in healthy young adult males. Journal of Exercise Physiology, 5 (3), p. 54-59

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2005) Biceps Curl Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/biceptest.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests