Upper Back Muscle Strength (Kraus-Weber Test 4)
This back muscle strength test assesses the strength of the upper back muscles. The 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 upper back muscles.
equipment required: flat surface, pillow, stopwatch
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. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject lies in prone position i.e., face down on his stomach with a pillow under his lower abdomen and his hands behind his neck. The examiner holds his feet down (compared to the other Kraus Webber back strength test in which the chest is held down). The subject is asked to raise his chest, head and shoulders, while the examiner counts to 10 seconds. He passes this test if he is able to hold the exact position up to 10 seconds.
scoring: This test is graded on a pass-fail basis. The test is passed if the subject holds the position for ten seconds. The Kraus-Weber test comprises 6 exercises - being unable to perform even one of the six exercises results in failing the test overall.
advantages: this is a very simple test to conduct, which can be performed quickly with minimal equipment.
comments: A modified scoring system scores the test from 0-10 depending on the number of seconds he holds the appropriate position.
The Test in Action
- The test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols
Similar Tests
- Lower back Kraus-Weber strength test — lift up the legs for 10 seconds while the upper body is held down.
- Trunk Lift — lift the upper body off the floor and hold that position while the height is measured.
- Isometric Back Strength test — hold a horizontal position while hanging over the edge of a bench for a set time period.
- Back Extensions — number of back extensions performed in 20 seconds.
Related Pages
- More about the Kraus-Weber fitness tests
- Other strength tests
- Back extension strength fitness exercise
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