Modified Sit & Reach 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 this test is to monitor the development of the athlete's hip and trunk flexibility.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • A 'sit & reach table'
  • Yard stick
  • An assistant

How to conduct the test

Starting position.
  • Sit on the floor with the back and head against a wall, legs fully extended with the bottom of the feet against the sit-and-reach box
  • Place the hands on top of each other, stretching the arms forward while keeping the head and back against the wall
  • Measure the distance from the fingertips to the box edge with a ruler. This becomes zero or starting point
 Hip and trunk

Movement

  • Slowly bend and reach forward as far as possible sliding the fingers along the ruler
  • Hold the final position for two seconds
  • Record the distance reached to the nearest 1/10 of an inch

Repeat the test 3 times and note the best distance

 Hip and Trunk

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 best distance and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Age Gender Distance cm
   
Assessment -

Normative data for the modified Sit & Reach test

The following are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds.

Gender Excellent Above average Average Below average Poor
Male >14cm 11 - 14cm 7 - 10cm 4 - 6cm <4cm
Female >15cm 12 - 15cm 7 - 11cm 4 - 6cm <4cm

Table Reference: Davis B. et al; Physical Education and the Study of Sport; 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.

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