Standing Stork Test – Blind

The objective of this test is 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
• Stop watch
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

• Stand comfortable on both feet.
• Hands on your hip.
• Stand on your preferred leg with the foot flat on the ground, lift the other leg and place the toes of that foot against the knee of the preferred leg.
• On command from the assistant, close your eyes.
• Assistant starts the stop watch.
• Balance for as long as possible.
• The watch is stopped when you open your eyes or move your hands or take your foot off your knee or move your standing foot.
• Assistant records the time you were able to maintain the balance.
• Repeat the test three times.

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.

Normative data for the stork test – blind

Best time seconds	Male points	Female points
60	20
55	18
50	16
45	14
40	12
35	10	20
30	8	17
25	6	14
20	4	11
15	3	8
10	2	4
5	1	2

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 flexibility and the correlation is high.