Measures of Flexibility and Their Correlations to Sit-and-Reach and Modified Sit-and-Reach Tests
Jacob Palmer
University of Puget Sound
March 3rd, 2015
Measures of Flexibility and Their Correlations to Sit-and-Reach and Modified Sit-and-Reach Tests
INTRODUCTION
Flexibility can be defined as the capability of something to bend easily without breaking. The flexibility of a person is commonly measured during fitness tests, and the most frequently used test of a person’s flexibility is the sit-and-reach (Jackson and Baker, 1986). Though it is commonly accepted that the sit-and-reach produces an accurate and relative measure of a person’s flexibility, the validity of the test has been examined a number of times (Jackson and
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For shoulder flexion 61% of the variance could be accounted for by the sit-and-reach. A correlation was also found between the modified sit-and-reach test and both the shoulder extension and hip flexion tests. For shoulder extension 33% of the variance was accounted for by the modified sit-and-reach and for hip flexion 22% of the variance was accounted for by the modified sit-and-reach.
Table 1. Means and Standard Deviation of Flexibility Measures
Variable
Mean
Standard Deviation
Shoulder Flexion
181
16.3
Shoulder Extension
75
12.8
Hip Flexion
95
25.4
Hip Extension
38
15.2
Skin Distraction
31.5
14.5
Sit and Reach
4.9
1.5
Modified Sit and Reach
38.6
9.4
Table 2. Correlations and meaningfulness between the sit-and-reach and modified sit-and-reach and all other flexibility variables
Sit-and-Reach
Modified Sit-and-Reach
Variable r r^2 r r^2
Shoulder Flexion
.78
.61
.41
.17
Shoulder Extension
.24
.06
.57
.33
Hip Flexion
.23
.05
.47
.22
Hip Extension
-.12
.01
.15
.02
Skin Distraction
-.01
.00
-.20
.04
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this experiment was to identify which flexibility measurement tests correlate with the sit-and-reach and modified sit-and-reach tests. In more recent studies, statistics have shown that both hip flexion test results and shoulder extension test results were directly correlated to modified sit-and-reach test results (Mayorga-Vega, Merino-Marban, and Viciana, 2014). The data gathered for the sample
It doesn’t take time to perform all the individual needs to be is sit down legs touching the front of the box and stretch as far as possible without bending the legs to see how far the individual can reach. The test requires an assistant to make sure that the individual is performing the workout properly to reduce any risk of getting injured and also to read the results. The disadvantages of doing the sit and reach test is that it is related to muscle pain due to the tightness in the lower back and hamstrings it can help to determine a person’s risks of injury and future pain (32). There are variations in length of arms and legs so comparisons between individuals can be misleading and not accurate, it also doesn’t measure flexibility in other parts of the body except for the lower back and the hamstrings. The test can’t be done in all environments because equipment is needed to perform the
The first new goal that I would like to set is to further improve my flexibility. In high school, I was able to do splits and other feats of flexibility, but, as time has moved on, I’ve lost this ability through lack of practice. In light of this realization, I like to continue to push myself, within reasonable means, of course, to increase
Six standing trials include 1) single dominant leg stance on a firm surface (SDFS), 2) single non-dominant leg stance on a firm surface (SNDFS), 3) double leg stance on a firm surface (DFS), 4) single dominant leg stance on a wobble board (SDWB), 5) single non-dominant leg stance on a wobble board (SNDWB), and 6) double leg stance on a wobble board (DWB). The order of the standing trials will be randomized. A two minute testing period will be recorded for each standing condition. During testing, participants will be instructed to position barefoot with the hands akimbo for as still as possible for both a firm surface and a wobble board conditions. During all one leg stance trials, participants will be instructed to flex the knee of the contralateral
(Hewett, 2005) Compared with male athletes, female athletes tend to generate greater abduction loads during cutting and landing, which may, in part, explain the discrepancy in injury rates observed between the sexes. (McLean S.G, 2005-2007) In regards to planes of motion, the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles have the potential to provide dynamic frontal-plane knee stability because of their abduction and/or adduction moment arms. (Lloyd D.G 2001) Exercising a neuromuscular biomechanical model, noted that the quadriceps and hamstrings not only have the potential to support frontal-plane moments but also actually do provide support to abduction-adduction moments (Lloyd D.G
The Modified Thomas is common test that used to assess hip extensibility and determine the existence of hip flexion contracture. Various athletic activities can be significantly affected by the lacking of hip extension and the tightness in the hip flexor muscles. A deficient in hip extension can lead to altering the gait pattern (overstriding gait ) and raised the impact forces during running and then elevates the risk of tibial stress fracture. In the original Thomas test, the participant lies on his back upon an examination table; the participant flexes and hold one knee at the chest. The other leg should remain relaxed upon the tabletop. The positive test will be documented if a gap between this leg
The article “Muscular contributions to hip and knee extension during the single limb stance phase of normal gait: a Theoretical Framework for Crouch Gait” by Allison Arnold, Frank Anderson, Marcus Pandy, and Scott Delp investigates the biomechanics of normal gait in hopes to uncover ideas to help determine treatments for crouch gait. Crouch gait is a bothersome abnormality that affects the gait pattern of people who suffer from the condition of cerebral palsy. It’s characterized by excessive flexion of the hips and knees during standing and excessive use of metabolic energy to complete a single gait cycle. Currently, the treatments for this condition are limited and have unpredictable outcomes due to the unknown biomechanical causes of the excessive flexion in crouch gait. These treatments include surgical lengthening of hamstrings, ankle-foot orthoses, and intense stretching regimens, with patients experiencing results ranging from no improvement in their symptoms to dramatic improvements. The vast array of results from treatments are due to the little understanding medical professionals have of not only abnormal gait patterns (such as crouch gait) but of normal gait as well (Arnold, Anderson, Pandy, and Delp, 2005). Despite the article’s title relating to crouch gait, the purpose of the study conducted was to examine and quantify the accelerations of normal hip and knee movements that were induced by specific muscles during the single limb stance phase and to rank these
This website was developed by James Griffing, he has a master’s in Kinesiology and a bachelors in exercise science. With contributions from many professionals such as, Eric Serrano, Lon Kilgore, Brent Rushall, Bryan Helwig, Joel Seedman, Joshua Seedman, Eladio Valdez III, and Marv Fremerman.
The results following surgery included nine of the participant’s range of motion was greater than 90 degrees at six weeks after the operation. Three patients out of the remaining five got back 90 degrees of flexion after surgery after nine weeks. When they did the final tests all of the patients had about 122 degrees of flexion and full extension. The surgery went well and there were no complications for all participants.
The biomechanical model is used with problems related to musculoskeletal capacities that underlie functional motion in occupational performance (Kiehlhefner 66). The Biomechanical model also assesses deficit in ROM, strength and/or endurance regardless of the cause. Biomechanical looks into a client's physical capacity such as their; movement, muscle strength and endurance which can be assessed within the information gathering section within the OT process (McMillan, 2006). The Occupational Therapist thru clinical observations will identify limitations to client’s range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and endurance. Further assessment may be needed if observation identifies any limitations. In case of muscle strength, Manual Muscle testing
A highly reliable measurement of ROM would yield consistent measurement results when successive measurements are taken on the same subject under the same conditions. When the goniometric or inclinometry measurement is valid, an examiner can confidently use the results of a highly reliable measurement to determine the mobility and flexibility of a joint or even diagnose a change in dysfunction due to the minimal measurement error. Only by obtaining a reliable and consistent measurement of elbow range of motion can the presence of joint ROM limitation be diagnosed, patients’ improvements toward rehabilitation be evaluated, and the usefulness of therapeutic interventions be assessed. Based on the subject’s performance in range of motion assessments, appropriate range of motion exercises could then be assigned to patients who have a limited elbow extension range. It is important for joint flexibility to be improved or maintained because motions such as elbow extension is essential for transfers, propped sitting, reaching for objects and
“The analysis of movement provides an athlete with optimal development as well as minimising the risk of developing injuries through the incorrect execution of a movement” (Ackland, Elliott & Bloomfield, 2009, p 301).
A safe and comprehensive flexibility training program could not only improve your performance in the gym and day-to-day activities, but it can also decrease your risk of muscle imbalance injury caused by muscle atrophy.
The sit and reach test is a measure of flexibility, of the lower back and hamstring muscles.First, I removed my shoes, I placed a regular sized box in front of me making sure that my left foot was placed right in the edge of the box. My brother placed a yardstick taped on top of the box making sure that the first nine inches are away from the box and facing me. I bend my right knee and keep my left knee straight. I placed one hand on top of the other in front of me with my palms facing down. I reached forward as far as I could go making sure that my back and neck was straight and my head up. I repeated this stretch three more times holding my last reach for three seconds while my brother records how far I went. I repeated this same stretch
Being able to do activities and with no effort is called flexibility. Flexibility is the ability of joints to move through a full range of motion. When it comes to flexibility there are two types static and dynamic. Static flexibility is passive and is a measure of the limits of a joint’s overall range of motion. An active time of flexibility is called dynamic meaning a measure of overall joint stiffness during movement. Flexibility has its perks as it helps with mobility, posture, and balance. By helping with these you will be able to perform daily activities
Bones, muscles, motor function, and joint flexibility significantly decrease as the body advances in age. The losses in the musculoskeletal system that result from the aging process, also affects a reduction in ROM, mobility, and accelerates the rate of functional decline (Holland et al., 2002). The implications of these various age-related declines, infringes on the ability to complete activities of daily living, and lowers an older adult’s quality of life (Holland et al., 2002). A primary concern with flexibility reductions in older adults is associated with physical inactivity, restricted ROM, and the inability to live independently. However, one of the major issues connected with loss of flexibility in older adults is the risk of becoming