Static flexibility test – shoulder

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

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 1 metre piece of rope
• Tape measure
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

Starting position

• Grasp one end of the rope with the left hand.
• Four inches away grasp the rope with the right hand.

Movement

• Extend both arms in front of the chest and rotate the arms overhead and behind the neck until the rope touches the back.
• As resistance occurs allow the right hand to slide along the rope.
• Measure the distance between the two thumbs – to the nearest ¼ of an inch.
• Measure shoulder width from deltoid to deltoid – to the nearest ¼ of an inch.
• Subtract the shoulder width distance from the thumb distance.
• Repeat the test 3 times and record the best distance.

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 flexibility test

Rating	Men	Women
Excellent	< 7.00	< 5.00
Good	11.5 – 7.00	9.5 – 5.00
Average	14.5 – 11.49	13.00 – 9.74
Fair	19.75 – 14.49	17.75 – 12.99
Poor	> 19.5	> 17.75

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.