Curl Up Test. The aim of the curl-up test is to assess the muscle endurance of the athlete's abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscle is one of many important parts of the body to perform physical activity. The abs muscle is core muscle.
Required resources
To undertake this test you will require:
• Flat surface
• Mat
• Watch
• Assistant.
How to conduct the test
The test is conducted as follows:
• Lie on the mat with the knees bent, feet flat on the floor, the hands resting on the thighs and the back of the head on the partner's hands – see Figure 1
• Curl up slowly using the abdominal muscles and slide the hands up the thighs until the fingertips touch the kneecaps – see Figure 2
• Return slowly to the starting position – see Figure 1
• The feet are not to be held
• A complete curl-up is to take 3 seconds – that is 20 repetitions/minute
• Repeat as many curls as possible at this rate
• Record the total number of curls.
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 curl-up test
The following table is for Male athletes.
The following table is for Female Athletes.
Table reference: McArdle W.D. et al; Essential of Exercise Physiology; 2000
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 the potential level of fitness and the correlation is high.
