Standing stork test

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.

- Lift one leg and place the toes of that foot against the knee of other leg.

- On command from the assistant, raise the heel and stand on your toes.

- Assistant starts the stop watch.

- Balance for as long as possible without letting either the heel touch the ground or the other foot move away from the knee.

- Coach records the time you were able to maintain the balance.

- Repeat the test for other leg.

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

Gender	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Male	> 50 sec	50-41 sec	40 - 31 sec	30 - 20 sec	< 20 sec
Female	> 30 sec	30 - 23 sec	22 - 16 sec	15 - 10 sec	< 10 sec

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.