The Impact of Various Anthropometric and Flexibility Measurements on the Sit-and-Reach Test

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

7 p.

Publication Date

11-1998

Publisher

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Source Publication

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Source ISSN

1064-8011

Abstract

This study sought to determine which components of anthropometry and leg/back flexibility best contribute to performance of the sit-and-reach (S&R). It also examined relationships among selected back and lower extremity flexibility tests. Thirty-four healthy college-age women performed 5 flexibility tests: (a) S&R, (b) Schober-L for lumbar spine flexibility, (c) Schober-L+T for thoracic and lumbar spine flexibility, (d) straight-leg raise (SLR) for hamstring flexibility, and (e) ankle dorsiflexion (DF) for ankle plantar-flexor flexibility. Statistical analysis included the use of correlation matrices among all measurements of flexibility and anthropometry. Also, a stepwise regression model was used to establish the best flexibility and anthropometric predictors of performance on the S&R. The level of association between S&R and SLR performance was found to be r = 0.78 (p < 0.01). All other flexibility tests and anthropometry variables (leg and arm length) were not as well associated with S&R performance. In conclusion, S&R performance was almost exclusively determined by hamstring flexibility. Also, ankle plantar-flexor, hamstring, and back flexibility were poorly correlated, indicating a need for specific flexibility measurements on each joint or muscle group.

Comments

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Vol. 12, No. 4 (November, 1998): 232-237. Permalink: http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/1998/11000/The_Impact_of_Various_Anthropometric_and.5.aspx.

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