Static flexibility test – hip and trunk

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

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• “Sit&reach” table or a bench with a ruler
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

Starting position

• Sit on the floor with the back and head against a wall, legs fully extended with the bottom of the feet against the sit-and-reach box.
• Place the hands on top of each other, stretching the arms forward while keeping the head and back against the wall.
• Measure the distance from the finger tips to the box edge with a ruler. This becomes zero or starting point.

Movement

• Slowly bend and reach forward as far as possible sliding the fingers along the ruler.
• Hold the final position for two seconds.
• Record the distance reached to the nearest 1/10 of an inch.
• Repeat the test 3 times and note 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 hip and trunk flexibility test

Age <36

Rating	Men	Women
Excellent	> 17.9	> 17.9
Good	17.00 – 17.9	16.7 – 17.9
Average	15.8 – 16.9	16.2 – 16.6
Fair	15.0 – 15.7	15.8 – 16.1
Poor	< 15.0	< 15.4

Age 36-49

Rating	Men	Women
Excellent	> 16.1	> 17.4
Good	14.6 – 16.1	16.2 – 17.4
Average	13.9 – 14.5	15.2 – 16.1
Fair	13.4 – 13.8	14.5 – 15.1
Poor	< 13.4	< 14.5

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.