V-Sit


Objective

To measure flexibility of lower back and hamstrings by reaching forward in the V position.

Testing

A straight line two feet long is marked on the floor as the baseline. A measuring line is drawn perpendicular to the midpoint of the baseline extending two feet on each side and marked off in half-inchs. The point where the baseline and measuring line intersect isn the "0" point. Student removes shoes and sits on floor with measuring line between legs and soles of feet placed immediately behind baseline, heels 8-12 inches apart. Student clasps thumbs so that hands are together, palms down and places them on measuring line. WIth the legs held flat by a partner, student slowly reaches forward as far as possible, keeping fingers on baseline and feet flexed. After three practice tries, the student holds the fourth reach for three seconds while that distance is recorded.

Rules

Legs must remain straight with soles of feet held perpendicular to the floor (feet flexed). Students should be encouraged to reach slowly rather than "bounce" while stretching. Scores, recorded to the nearest half-inch, are read as plus scores for reaches beyond baseline, minus scores for reaches behind baseline.

Tips

Warm up by jogging before stretching your muscles. Practice every day for this test, holding stretch for 15-20 seconds with 10 seconds breaks. Do not stretch to the point of pain.


*Resource used to create this page: The Test Manual from the PCPFS, September 1989.
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