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Static Flexibility Test - Trunk and Neck

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

Objective

This test aims to monitor the development of the athlete's trunk and neck flexibility/mobility.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Metre Ruler
  • Two Assistants

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The athlete lies prone on the floor with hands clasped at the side of the head
  • The 1st assistant holds the athlete's feet down on the ground throughout the test
  • The athlete raises their head and trunk as high as possible
  • The 2nd assistant measures and records the vertical distance from the ground to the tip of the athlete's nose
  • The test is repeated 3 times
  • The longest recorded vertical distance is used to assess the athlete's performance
Trunk neck Flexibility

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test. The table, adapted from Johnson (1986)[1], is for athletes under 36.

Rating Men Women
Excellent >10.00 >9.75
Good 8.00 - 10.00 7.75 - 9.75
Average 6.00 - 7.99 5.75 - 7.74
Fair 3.00 - 5.99 2.00 - 5.74
Poor <3.00 <2.00

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

Gender Distance inches     Assessment

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's trunk and neck flexibility with appropriate training between each test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and 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 how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended 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 measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor 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

References

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

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2007) Static Flexibility Test - Trunk and Neck [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest3.htm [Accessed