Fitness Testing

Shoulder flexibility test

purpose: To test the flexibility of the shoulder joint, which is important for injury prevention and in particular is important in swimming, raquet sports and throwing sports.
description / procedure: Test your left shoulder by standing with your right arm straight up, then bend your elbow so your hand hangs behind your head. Keeping your upper arm stationary, rest your palm between your shoulder blades. Reach around behind you with your left arm so the palm is facing out and try to touch the fingers of both hands together. Reverse the procedure and repeat with the opposite shoulder.

scoring: measure the minimum distance between hands. See the table below for general guidelines for interpreting the results

Good	Fingers are touching
Fair	Fingertips are not touching but are less than two inches apart.
Poor	Fingertips are greater than two inches apart.

equipment required: ruler or tape measure.
disadvantages: Variations in arm length can make comparisons between individuals misleading.