Static Flexibility Test - Shoulder

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 flexibility.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Piece of rope approx. 1 metre in length
• Tape measure
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The athlete holds the rope in front of them with both hands shoulder width apart
• The athlete extends the arms over their head and down behind them (allowing the hands to slide along the rope as they do so)  until the rope touches their lower back
• The athlete holds this final position whist measurements are recorded
• The assistant measures and records the distance between the tips of the athlete's thumbs
• The assistant measures and records the shoulder width
• The assistant subtracts the shoulder measurement from thumb measurement and records the result
• The test is repeated three times and the longest distance, following subtraction, is used to assess the athlete’s performance

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

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 flexibility.

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. 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
• 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 [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest4.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

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