A critical analysis of two Eurofit tests

Nikolaos Tsigilis

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece

Abstract

The sit-and-reach and the sit-up are two tests, which are included in the Eurofit test battery. These tests are designed to assess hamstring and low-back flexibility and strength/endurance of the abdominal muscles respectively. The inclusion of these tests in the test batteries is based on the notion that increased levels of hamstrings and low-back flexibility and/or strength of the abdominal muscles may provide protection from low-back pain. The present literature review examines the reported validity and reliability of the sit-and- reach and sit-up tests. In addition alternative, modified or even new tests are also examined and compared to the initial tests. Finally, in this paper is discussed whether the scientific results support the inclusion of the sit-and-reach and sit-up tests in the test batteries and fruitful areas of future research are highlighted.

Key words: field tests, flexibility, abdominal strength/endurance, validity, reliability.