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 Tests 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
• Stop watch
• Assistant

The NCF Abdominal Curl Conditioning Test audio tape or CD can be purchased from Coachwise 1st4Sport.

How to conduct the test

Follow the instructions on the tape or CD. Athletes are required to perform as many sit ups as possible, keeping in time to the beeps emitted from the tape or CD. The assistant counts the number of sit ups completed correctly and records the time from the start of the test until the athlete can no longer keep in time with the beeps or when the sit ups are not performed correctly.

Analysis

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

Performance Assessment

Normative scores

Notes

A degree of caution is required in administering the test, in that you have to push yourself relatively hard to the point where you can no longer maintain the pace dictated by the tape or CD. If you are suffering from any injury or illness, or if you have any reason to think you may not be in a good general state of health, you should consult a doctor before doing this test.

As the audio-tapes may stretch over time, the tapes need to be calibrated which involves timing a one-minute interval and making adjustment to the distance between markers. The recording is also available on compact disc, which does not require calibration.

Target Group

This test is suitable for all athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables of normative scores for the test.

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Associated Pages

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

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests

• Training Books
• Training Products

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
• Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
• Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
• Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
• The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
• Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
• Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
• Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
• PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2