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Fitness Testing > Tests > Flexibility > Sit & Reach
Sit and Reach Flexibility Test
The sit and reach test is a common measure of flexibility, and specifically measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles. This test is important as because tightness in this area is implicated in lumbar lordosis, forward pelvic tilt and lower back pain.
About Test Variations
There are a few variations of the test. Many of the variations of this test involve the differences in the value of the level of the feet.
The most logical measure is to use the level of the feet as recording zero, so that any measure that does not reach the toes is negative and any reach past the toes is positive (such as for PRT Sit and Reach for the Navy). However, using negative values is more difficult for statistical analyses, and for comparing results. The procedure for the Presidents Challenge version require that the box is made with 9 inches (23 cm) at the level of the feet, so reaching two inches past the toes is recorded as 11 inches. The Eurofit manual suggests having 15cm at the level of the feet.
A limitation of the traditional sit and reach procedure is that people with long arms and/or short legs would get a better result, while those with short arms and/or long legs are at a disadvantage. The modified sit and reach test controls for this, as the zero mark is adjusted for each individual, based on their sitting reach level. The traditional sit and reach procedure also measures the combined flexibility of the legs. The Back-Saver Sit and Reach, as as used by Fitnessgram Program, tests one leg at a time.
If you do not have a specifically made sit and reach box, you can use any box, crate or step with a long ruler. You can follow the description of the Sit and Reach at home, a simple version that can be done with minimal equipment, or the V-Sit Flexibility Test, similar to the sit and reach though it uses a line on the ground instead of a box.
Test Procedure
The basic outline of the test is described below. Some of the more popular variations are described in more detail above.
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equipment required: sit and reach box (or alternatively a ruler can be used, and a step or box)
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description / procedure: This test involves sitting on the floor with legs stretched out straight ahead. Shoes should be removed. The soles of the feet are placed flat against the box. Both knees should be kept flat on the floor - the tester may assist by holding them down. With the palms facing downwards, and the hands on top of each other or side by side, the subject reaches forward along the measuring line as far as possible. Ensure that the hands remain at the same level, not one reaching further forward than the other. After some practice reaches, the subject reaches out and holds that position for at one-two seconds while the distance is recorded. Make sure there are no jerky movements.
- scoring: The score is recorded to the nearest centimeter or half inch as the distance reached by the hand. Some test versions use the level of the feet as the zero mark, while others have the zero mark 9 inches before the feet. There is also the modified sit and reach test which moves the zero mark depending on the arm and leg length of the subject. The table below gives you a general guide for expected scores (in cm and inches) for adults using zero at the level of the feet (otherwise add 23cm or nine inches). There are also examples of some actual athlete results.
men |
women |
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| cm | inches | cm | inches | |
super |
> +27 |
> +10.5 | > +30 |
> +11.5 |
excellent |
+17 to +27 |
+6.5 to +10.5 | +21 to +30 |
+8.0 to +11.5 |
good |
+6 to +16 |
+2.5 to +6.0 | +11 to +20 |
+4.5 to +7.5 |
average |
0 to +5 |
0 to +2.0 | +1 to +10 |
+0.5 to +4.0 |
fair |
-8 to -1 |
-3.0 to -0.5 | -7 to 0 |
-2.5 to 0 |
poor |
-20 to -9 |
-7.5 to -3.5 | -15 to -8 |
-6.0 to -3.0 |
very poor |
< -20 |
-8.0 | < -15 |
< -6.0 |
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validity: This tests only measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings, and is a valid measure of this.
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reliability: The reliability will depend on the amount of warm-up allowed, and whether the same procedures are followed each time. Most norms are based on no previous warm-up, though the best results will be achieved after a warm up or if the test is proceeded by a test such as the endurance test.
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advantages: The sit and reach test is a common test of flexibility, and is easy and quick test to perform. If using the standard procedure, there is a lot of data for comparison.
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disadvantages: Variations in arm, leg and trunk length can make comparisons between individuals misleading. This test is specific to the range of motion and muscles and joints of the lower back and hamstrings, and may not be relevant to other part fo the body.
Related Pages
- Sit and Reach Test Results.
- make your own Sit and Reach testing box.
- Sit and Reach Test variations:
- sit & reach - Presidents Challenge version.
- sit & reach - for the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT).
- sit & reach - simple version for testing at home.
- sit & reach - backsaver version
- Modified Sit and Reach - testing each leg separately
- V-Sit test - no box required
- other flexibility tests.
- hamstring flexibility exercises on this list of stretches.
Related Products
- Buy a sit and reach box
- Free! Fitness and Nutrition Organizer — organize and manage all your fitness testing information as well as your training and nutritional intake with BodyByte.
