The Kraus-Weber Abdominal Strength Test 1 assesses the strength of the abdominal and psoas muscles. Participants are required to perform one sit up while straight legs held raised off the ground. The test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols, a series of six medical fitness tests measuring the strength and flexibility of key postural (core) muscles.
test purpose: to assess the strength of the abdominal and psoas muscles.
equipment required: flat surface
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject lies down in supine position i.e., flat on his back and hands behind his neck. The legs are straight. The examiner holds the feet to keep them on the ground. The subject is asked to perform one sit-up. If he performs one sit-up, he passes this test. If he cannot raise his shoulders from the table or ground, his score is zero.
scoring: This test is graded on a pass-fail basis. The Kraus-Weber test comprises 6 exercises - being unable to perform even one of the six exercises results in failing the test.
advantages: this is a very simple test to conduct, which can be performed quickly with minimal equipment.
comments: the difference between this test and the second Kraus-Weber Abdominal Strength Test is that in this case the legs are straight, so that the psoas muscles also play a part in the sit-up action.
The Test in Action
- The test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols
Similar Tests
- The similar K-W abdominal test 1
- Other abdominal strength tests: 7-Stage and 4-Level tests
Related Pages
- More about the Kraus-Weber fitness test, and
- About Abdominal Testing
- Sit up exercise at the beach or at home