🔰Trunk and Neck
The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete’s trunk and neck flexibility.
🔰Required resources
⧭To undertake this test you will require: 4 1 metre ruler 4 Assistant.
How to conduct the test
🔰Starting position
⧭ Lay prone on the floor with hands clasped at the side of the head.

🔰Movement
⧭ Raise the trunk as high as possible whilst keeping the hips in contact with the ground
⧭ An assistant can hold the feet down
⧭ Record the vertical distance, to the nearest 1/4 of an inch, from the tip of the nose to the ground
⧭ 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 Trunk and Neck flexibility test
Rating | Men | Women |
Excellent | >10.00 | >9.75 |
Good | 10.00-8.00 | 9.75-7.75 |
Average | 7.99-6.00 | 7.74-5.75 |
Fair | 5.99-3.00 | 5.74-2.00 |
Poor | <3.00 | <2.00 |
Table adapted from Johnson B.L. & Nelson J.K. Practical Measurements for Evaluation in
PE 4th Ed. 1986
🔰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.
🔰On-line calculator
Select the following link to access the on-line calculator