The Reliability and Validity of a Chair Sit-and-Reach Test as a Measure of Hamstring Flexibility in Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability and the criterion validity of a newly developed chair sit-and-reach (CSR) test as a measure of hamstring flexibility in older adults CSR performance was also compared to sit-and-reach (SR) and back-saver sit-and-reach (BSR) measures of hamstring flexibility. To estimate reliability, 76 men and women (M age = 70.5 years) performed the CSR on 2 different days, 2-5 days apart. In the validity phase of the study, scores of 80 men and women (M age = 74.2 years) were obtained on three field test measures of hamstring flexibility (CSR, SR, and BSR) and on a criterion test (goniometer measurement of a passive straight-leg raise). Results indicate that the CSR has good intraclass test-retest reliability (R = .92 for men; r = .96 for women), and has a moderate-to-good relationship with the criterion measure (r = .76 for men; r = .81 for women). The criterion validity of the CSR for the male and female participants is comparable to that of the SR (r = .74 and r = .71, respectively) and BSR (r = .70 and r = .71, respectively). Results indicate that the CSR test produces reasonably accurate and stable measures of hamstring flexibility. In addition, it appears that the CSR is a safe and socially acceptable alternative to traditional floor sit-and-reach tests as a measure of hamstring flexibility in older adults.

Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica

“…In the first test applied, the "to sit down and to stand up" test, we have attempted to verify basically the power and the resistance of the lower body segment 9 . Our results are similar to results from Frontera et al 10 ,who verified a power gain in the elderly of up to 227% after a 12-weeks training.…”

“…The test of "chair sit-and-reach" assesses with accuracy the flexibility of the body lower segment (hips and vertebral spine flexion) 9 . In our study, patients submitted to the hydrogymnastics training began performing this test with higher ability.…”

Efeito de diferentes frequências semanais de treinamento físico geral sobre a flexibilidade de mulheres de meia idade

“…O teste de "sentar e alcançar" mede a flexibilidade do segmento inferior do corpo (flexão dos quadris e da coluna vertebral) 21 . Os resultados de nosso estudo indicam que os sujeitos submetidos a um programa de treinamento passaram a desenvolver esse teste com maior habilidade.…”

Exercises Responses of 60-69 Years on the Senior Fitness Test in Jordan Compared to US Norms

“…Each participant was asked to extend his/her leg and to bend the other around 90 degrees. With the palms on top of each other the participants were asked to reach as far distance as he/she can and the distance between the fingertip and the toes (plus or minus) was recorded (Jones et al, 1998). If the fingertips just touches the toes that is recorded as 0, if exceeds that is recorded as plus and if do not reach each other that is recorded as minus.…”