NCF Abdominal Curl Conditioning 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 the NCF Abdominal Curl Conditioning Test is to monitor the condition and tone of the athlete's abdominal muscles.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Gym mat
• NCF Abdominal Curl Conditioning Test audio tape or CD**
• Tape recorder or CD Player
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

**A copy of the NCF Abdominal Curl Test can be purchased from Coachwise 1st4Sport.

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to perform sit ups in time with beeps emitted from the CD or Tape.

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant starts the CD or Tape
• The athlete follows the instructions given and performs sit ups in time with the emitted beeps
• The assistant starts the stopwatch at the start of the test
• The assistant counts the number of sit ups completed correctly
• The assistant stops the stopwatch and records the time and the number of correctly completed sit ups when the athlete can no longer keep in time with the beeps or when the sit ups are not performed correctly

Assessment

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 athlete's core strength.

Target Group

This test is suitable for all 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
• More than one athlete can conduct the test at the same time
• Can be conducted indoors or outdoors

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required - CD and Player
• Assistant required to administer the test

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2006) NCF Abdominal Curl Conditioning Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/curltest.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