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Standing Stork Test - Blind

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

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
  • An 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, places the sole of the right foot against the side of the left kneecap and closes both eyes
  • 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, places the sole of the left foot against the side of the right kneecap and closes both eyes
  • 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
Blind Stork Test

Assessment

The following table (Arnot and Gaines 1984)[1] shows the national norms for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Best Time (secs) 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5
Male - Points 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 3 2 1
Female - Points           20 17 14 11 8 4 2

To evaluate the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the best time from the three tests and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender   Time seconds     Score points

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing 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 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 influencing the results and the 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 the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • No equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. ARNOT, R. and GAINES, C. (1984) Sports Talent. Harmondsworth: Penguin

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2004) Standing Stork Test - Blind [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/bstorktst.htm [Accessed