Topend Sports Logo

Arm Curl (Bicep) Test

The Arm Curl test is a test of upper body strength, and is part of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and the AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test, and is designed to test the functional fitness of seniors. The test involves performing as many arm curls as possible in 30 seconds, while sitting in a chair. There are slight differences between the protocols for the Senior and AAHPERD tests, such as the weight used for women. The differences are indicated below. See also the maximum bicep curl test.



purpose: This test measures upper body strength and endurance.

equipment required: 4 pound dumbbell weight (women, AAHPERD), 5 pound weight (women, SFT), 8 pound weight (for men). A chair without armrests, stopwatch.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

procedure: The aim of this test is to do as many arm curls as possible in 30 seconds. This test is conducted on the dominant arm side (or stronger side). The subject sits on the chair, holding the weight in the hand using a suitcase grip (palm facing towards the body) with the arm in a vertically down position beside the chair. Brace the upper arm against the body so that only the lower arm is moving (tester may assist to hold the upper arm steady). Curl the arm up through a full range of motion, gradually turning the palm up (flexion with supination). As the arm is lowered through the full range of motion, gradually return to the starting position. The arm must be fully bent and then fully straightened at the elbow. The protocol for the AAHPERD test describes the administrator's hand being placed on the biceps, and the lower arm must touch the tester's hand for a full bicep curl to be counted. Repeat this action as many times as possible within 30 seconds.

scoring: The score is the total number of controlled arm curls performed in 30 seconds. Below is a table showing some recommended ranges for this test based on age groups (from Jones & Rikli, 2002).

Men’s Results

Age below average average above average
60-64 < 16 16 to 22 > 22
65-69 < 15 15 to 21 > 21
70-74 < 14 14 to 21 > 21
75-79 < 13 13 to 19 > 19
80-84 < 13 13 to 19 > 19
85-89 < 11 11 to 17 > 17
90-94 < 10 10 to 14 > 14

Women’s Results

Age below average average above average
60-64 < 13 13 to 19 > 19
65-69 < 12 12 to 18 > 18
70-74 < 12 12 to 17 > 17
75-79 < 11 11 to 17 > 17
80-84 < 10 10 to 16 > 16
85-89 < 10 10 to 15 > 15
90-94 < 8 8 to 13 > 13

target population: the aged population which may not be able to do traditional fitness tests.

comments: It's important that the upper arm is stable throughout the test, and doesn't swing.

references:



The Test in Action

Similar Tests

Related Pages

Related Products

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

Triceps Kick Back DumbellMore About Dumbbells

Testing Extra

We have over 400 fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer. To keep up with the latest in sport science and this website, subscribe to our newsletter. We are also on facebook and twitter.

 → How to Cite