Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Strength > Bent-Arm Hang
Bent Arm Hang Test
This test measures upper body relative strength and endurance. The following describes the procedures as used for the Eurofit Manual. This test is commonly called the Flexed Arm Hang - see variations below for similar test procedures.
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equipment required: Stopwatch, an elevated horizontal bar.
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description / procedure: The subject is assisted into position, the body lifted to a height so that the chin is level with the horizontal bar. The bar is grasped using an overhand grip (palms are facing away from body), with the hands shoulder width apart. The timing starts when the subject is released. They should attempt to hold this position for as long as possible. Timing stops when the person's chin falls below the level of the bar or the head is tilted backward to enable the chin to stay level with the bar.
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scoring: The total time is seconds is recorded.
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variations: three other procedures for the flexed arm hang are described on this site, the flexed arm hang test the President's Challenge Fitness Awards, and the flexed arm hang used for the International Physical Fitness Test, and also the flexed arm hang test used for the Marines. These procedures vary only slightly from that described here.
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advantages: the equipment is readily available, and the test is easy and quick to perform.
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disadvantages: The body weight of the subject has a great effect on the results of this test. A better test of upper body strength in which body weight is not as important is the push up test.
- comments: this test is often used for children who are unable to do more than one chin up exercise. Another alternative is the modified pull up.
Related Pages
- variations: Marines Flexed Arm Hang, the President's Challenge Fitness Awards flexed arm hang test, and the flexed arm hang used for the International Physical Fitness Test
- other strength tests
- About the Eurofit Testing Battery
- other upper body strength tests: pull-up and push-up tests.
