Standing Stork 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

To monitor the development of the athlete's ability to maintain a state of equilibrium (balance) in a static position.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Warm dry location - gym
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The athlete stands comfortably on both feet with their hands on their hips The athlete lifts the right leg and places the sole of the right foot against the side of the left kneecap The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete raises the heel of the left foot to stand on their toes The athlete is to hold this position for as long as possible The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s left heel touches the ground or the right foot moves away from the left knee The assistance records the time The athlete rests for 3 minutes The athlete stands comfortably on both feet with their hands on their hips The athlete lifts the left leg and places the sole of the left foot against the side of the right kneecap The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete raises the heel of the right foot to stand on their toes The athlete is to hold this position for as long as possible The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s right heel touches the ground or the left foot moves away from the right kneecap The assistance records the time

Normative data for the Stork Test

The following table (Johnson & Nelson 1979)^[1] are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds.

The following table (Schell & Leelarthaepin 1994)^[2] are norms for male and females.

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 static balance.

Target Group

This test is 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

• No 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. (1979) Practical measurements for evaluation in physical education. 4th Edit. Minneapolis: Burgess
2. SCHELL, J. and LEELARTHAEPIN, B (1994) Physical Fitness Assessment in Exercise and Sports Science. 2nd Ed, Leelar Biomedisience Services, Matraville, NSW. p. 327

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Standing Stork Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/storktst.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