Trunk Flexion Test to Measure Lower Back and Hamstrings Flexibility

Trunk Flexion Test. The objective of this test is to measure the development of the athlete's lower back and hamstrings flexibility.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Yardstick
• Assistant.

How to conduct the trunk flexion test?

The test is conducted as follows:

• Athlete to remove their shoes and sit with their knees straight and feet 12 inches apart
• Place a yardstick between their legs with the 15 inch mark level with their feet - the zero inch mark should be closer to their knees
• Athlete places one of their hands on top of the other with the tips of their fingers aligned
• Athlete exhales and slowly leans forward by dropping their head toward their arms, sliding their fingers along the yardstick as far as possible
• The assistant records the best of three measurements.

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.

Performance assessment
An excellent score for men is greater than 20 inches. An excellent score for women is more than 24 inches.

Target group
This test is suitable for active athletes but not for individuals 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 no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.

Reference

Mackenzie, Brian. 2005. 101 Performance Evalution Test. Electric World Plc. London.