This abdominal test assesses the strength of the abdominal muscles - with minimizing the use of the psoas muscles. Participants perform one situp with legs raised, knees bent. This test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols, a series of six medical fitness test measures the strength and flexibility of key postural (core) muscles.
test purpose: to assess the strength of the abdominal 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 lying position for this test is the same as the first K-W test — the subject lies down in a supine position flat on his back and hands behind his neck, except that this time the knees are bent. The examiner holds the feet to keep them on the ground. The subject is required to perform one sit-up. If he is able to perform a full sit-up, he passes this test. If he is unable to raise his shoulders from the table or ground, the 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 first Kraus-Weber Abdominal Strength Test is that in this case the knees are held in a bent position.
The Test in Action
- This test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols
Similar Tests
- The similar K-W abdominal test 2
- 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 exercises at the beach or at home