Waist to Hip Ratio 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 your waist to hip ratio which has been shown to be related to the risk of coronary heart disease.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • Tape measure

How to conduct the test

To conduct this test your need to make two measurements:

  • Waist measurement
  • Hip measurement

Divide your waist measurement by you hip measurement to determine you hip to waist ratio.

Analysis

The following table provides general guidelines for acceptable levels for hip to waist ratio.

 
Acceptable
Unacceptable
 
Excellent
Good
Average
High
Male
< 0.85
0.85 - 0.90
0.90 - 0.95
> 0.95
Female
< 0.75
0.75 - 0.80
0.80 - 0.85
> 0.85

Hip to Waist Ratio Assessment

For an evaluation of your hip to waist ratio select the gender, enter the waist and hip measurements and then select the 'Assessment' button.

Gender Waist Hip
 

Target Group

This measure is often used to determine the coronary artery disease risk factor associated with obesity

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. Not a good predictor of percent body fat, however can be used to indicate changes in body composition over time.

101 Tests

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

Periodic testing and measuring is the only way to get the up-to-date, accurate and objective information you need to assess current performance, then make informed decisions about future training and competition goals.

This workbook, 101 Performance Evaluation Tests, is the largest, most complete and authoritative collection of sports performance evaluation tests there is. It is an essential tool for anyone wanting to predict athletic performance or evaluate current level of fitness.

Select this link for more information on "101 Performance Evaluation Tests".

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

Keywords: validity,reliability, test, waist, hip, performance, ratio, evaluation, sport, assess, measurement, body, composition, decisions, measure, physical