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Static Flexibility Test - Shoulder & Wrist

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 this test is to monitor the development of the athlete's shoulder and wrist flexibility.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • 18" Stick
  • Metre Ruler
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The athlete lays prone on the floor, forehead on the ground, and arms extended holding the 18” stick with both hands shoulder width apart
  • The assistant measures and records the athlete’s arm length from the acromial extremity to the stick
  • The athlete raises the stick as high as possible whilst  keeping their forehead on the ground
  • The assistant measures and records the vertical distance from the ground to the bottom of the stick
  • Repeat the test 3 times recording the vertical distance achieved
  • The assistant subtracts the longest recorded vertical distance from the recorded arm length and the result is used to assess the athlete’s performance
Shoulder Wrist Flexibility

Assessment

For an evaluation of the athlete's performance select the gender, enter the distance and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender Distance inches
 
Assessment -

Normative data for the Shoulder and Wrist flexibility test (Johnson 1986)[1]

Rating Men Women
Poor >12.50 >11.75
Fair 11.50 -12.50 10.75 - 11.75
Average 8.25 - 11.49 7.50 - 10.74
Good 6.00 - 8.24 5.50 - 7.49
Excellent <6.0 <5.50

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 shoulder and wrist flexibility. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

Target Group

These tests are 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.

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
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

  1. JOHNSON, B.L. and NELSON, J.K. (1986) Practical Measurements for Evaluation in PE. 4th ed. Minneapolis: Burgess Publishing

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2007) Static Flexibility Test - Shoulder and Wrist [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest2.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

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

101 Tests Ultimate Guide to Stretching & Flexibility