Curl-Up 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 Curl-Up Test is to assess the endurance of the athlete's abdominal muscles.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • flat surface
  • mat
  • watch
  • a partner

How to conduct the test

The Sit Ups Test is conducted as follows:

  • Lie on the mat with the knees bent, feet flat on the floor, the hands resting on the thighs and the back of the head on the partner's hands- see Figure 1
  • Curl up slowly using the abdominal muscles and slide the hands up the thighs until the finger tips touch the knee caps - see Figure 2
  • Return slowly to the starting position - see Figure 1
  • The feet are not to be held
  • A complete curl-up is to take 3 seconds - that is 20 repetitions/minute
  • Repeat as many curls as possible at this rate
  • Record the total number of curls
 Curl Up start postion
Figure 1

Curl Up end position
Figure 2

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

For an evaluation of the athlete's performance select the age group and gender, enter the number of curls and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Age Gender Number of Curls
   
Assessment -

Normative data for the Curl-Up Test

The following table is for Male athletes.

Classification <35 35 - 44 >45
Excellent 60 50 40
Good 45 40 25
Fair 30 25 15
Poor 15 10 5

The following table is for Female athletes.

Classification <35 35 - 44 >45
Excellent 50 40 30
Good 40 25 15
Fair 25 15 10
Poor 10 6 4

Table Reference: McArdle W.D. et al; Essential of Exercise Physiology; 2000

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those 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 to relate results to potential level of fitness and the correlation is high.

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Associated Pages

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

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