Criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach tests in university men in Hong Kong

Percept Mot Skills. 1999 Feb;88(1):304-16. doi: 10.2466/pms.1999.88.1.304.

Abstract

To examine the criterion-related validity of traditional, modified, and YMCA sit-and-reach tests and the relationships of these with abdominal muscular strength and endurance measured by the sit-up test, 52 university men of mean age 20.7 yr. were administered two trials of six measurements in counterbalanced order, including traditional, modified, and YMCA sit-and-reach tests, passive straight-leg raise, low-back flexibility evaluation, and 1-min. sit-up test. Pearson product-moment correlations were significant (p < .05) for traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests with hamstrings' flexibility (rs = .71 and .77, respectively). Also, the YMCA sit-and-reach test was significantly associated with hamstrings' flexibility (r = .64) and low-back flexibility (r = .47). Stepwise multiple regression indicated hamstrings' flexibility was the only significant predictor of traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests, explaining the variances of 59.1% and 49.8%, respectively. However, both hamstring and low-back flexibility were significant predictors for the YMCA sit-and-reach test, which in total accounted for 52.2% of explained variance. Traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests are valid in assessing hamstrings' flexibility only, whereas the YMCA sit-and-reach test is valid for measuring both the hamstring and low-back flexibility.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Muscles / physiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Exercise Test / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities