Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Kevin Moody's Flexibility Question

Kev asked for a good substitute test for the standard sit & reach test.
I like Steve Myrland's smart-test.

It is described on the web site, but there is also a hand out you can get if you call or email them.

http://beaconathletics.com/store/products/Smart_Hurdle_Smart_Tests-502-28.html

However, remember it's all about mostibility- the ability to take advantage of just the right motion, at just the right time, at just the right speed, in just the right plane in just the right direction, not flexibility.

For rehab documentation of functional ROM, I use Gary Gray's 3D testing pole.

2 comments:

JH said...

In the industrial setting we have to come up with ways to test things that aren't so "demanding" like the smart test. To accomidate the folks in the industrial setting I came up with a standing test they can do in their work clothes. (which may be a limiting factor to mostability)

They stand with their shoulders against a wall and their heels aboutu 4-6 inches from the wall. We ask them to do a straight leg raise and hold it for 3 seconds. The 3 seconds is to prevent them from kicking their leg up high and getting a "better result" and to prevent injury for someone that may be a little more gung-ho.

You could compare straight leg to bent leg and see what kind of results you get.

JH said...

Just had another thought...

With the smart test do you have the individual go through it both directions? If not probably should.