Fitness Testing

4 Level Abdominal Strength Test

purpose: The 4 stage sit up test measures back and abdominal strength, which is important in for core stability.
equipment required: flat surface, recording sheet and pen

description / procedure: This is a simple test where you are required to do four forms of sit ups. with their knees at right angles and feet flat on the floor. The subject attempts to perform one sit-up as described for each level, with either the feet held by an assistant or not, and with bent or straight legs. Several attempts can be made for each level, with the technique scored using the criteria below. The four levels are as follows:
1. Perform a leg sit up with the knees at right angles and your feet held
2. Perform a leg sit up with the knees at right angles and your feet not held
3. Perform a straight leg sit up with your feet held
4. Perform a straight leg sit up with your feet not held

scoring: Use the criteria in the following table to give a score out of four for each sit up. Add the score for all four situp levels for a total score out of 16.

Score	Criteria
0	Cannot perform
1	difficulty performing, jerky motion, feet leave the floor
2	uses a lot of momentum to overcome 45 degrees
3	performs with slight pause in the mid area of the sit-up
4	no difficulty

advantages: moderate sized groups can be tested at once, with minimal equipment required.