Curl-Up Test

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

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

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Flat non-slip surface
Mat
Metronome
Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to complete as many curl-ups as possible at a rate of 20/minute.

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The assistant sets the metronome to 20 beats per minute (BPM)
The athlete lies on the mat with their knees bent, feet flat on the floor and their hands resting on the thighs
The assistant, using their hands, supports the athlete's head - see Figure 1
The assistant gives the command “GO” and the athlete curls up, sliding their hands up their thighs until the fingertips touch the top of knee caps (see Figure 2) and then returns to the starting position (see Figure 1) in time with the 20 BPM metronome
The athlete is to perform as many curls as possible until they are unable to keep in time with the metronome
The assistant is to count and record the total number of curls which is then used to assess the athlete's performance

Figure 1

Figure 2

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test:

The following table, adapted from McArdle et al. 2000)^[1], is for Male Athletes.

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

The following table, adapted from McArdle et al. 2000)^[1], is for Female Athletes.

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

To evaluate 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

Analysis

The test result is analysed 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 core strength 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 how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended 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 various factors influencing the results and 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 training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

Minimal equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct
Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

Specialist equipment required - Metronome
Assistant required to administer the test

References

McARDLE, W.D. et al. (2000) Training muscles to become stronger. In: McARDLE, W.D. et al., 2nd ed. Essentials of Exercise Physiology, USA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, p. 417

Page Reference

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

MACKENZIE, B. (2005) Curl-Up Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/curluptst.htm [Accessed