Static flexibility test – shoulder and wrist

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete’s shoulder and wrist flexibility.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 18 inch stick
• 1 metre ruler
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

Starting position

• Lay prone on the floor with the arms fully extended holding a stick.

Movement

• Raise the stick as high as possible, keeping the nose on the ground.
• Measure the vertical distance the stick rises from the floor to the nearest ½ inch.
• Repeat the test 3 times and record the best distance.
• Measure the arm length from the acromial extremity to the tip of the longest finger.
• Subtract the best score from the arm length.

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 shoulder&wrist flexibility test

Rating	Men	Women
Excellent	> 12.50	> 11.75
Good	12.50 – 11.50	11.75 – 10.75
Average	11.49 – 8.25	10.74 – 7.50
Poor	< 8.25	< 7.50

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.