Lower Back Muscle Strength (Kraus-Weber Test 5)
This back muscle strength test assesses the strength of the lower back muscles. The test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols, a series of six medical fitness test measures the strength and flexibility of key postural (core) muscles.
test purpose: to assess the strength of the lower back muscles.
equipment required: flat surface, pillow, stopwatch, recording sheets.
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. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject lies in prone position i.e., face down on his stomach with a pillow under his lower abdomen and his hands behind his neck. The examiner holds his chest down (compared to the other Kraus Webber back strength test in which the feet are held down). The subject is asked to raise his feet, keeping his knees straight. The examiner counts to 10 seconds.
scoring: This test is graded on a pass-fail basis. The test is passed if the subject holds the position for ten seconds. The Kraus-Weber test comprises 6 exercises - being unable to perform even one of the six exercises results in failing the test overall.
advantages: this is a very simple test to conduct, which can be performed quickly with minimal equipment.
comments: A modified scoring system scores the test from 0-10 depending on the number of seconds the subject holds the appropriate position.
The Test in Action
- The test is part of the Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols
Similar Tests
- Upper back Kraus-Weber strength test — lift up the chest for 10 seconds while the feet are held down.
- Isometric Back Strength test — hold a horizontal position while hanging over the edge of a bench for a set time period.
- Trunk Lift — lift the upper body off the floor and hold that position while the height is measured.
- Back Extensions — number of back extensions performed in 20 seconds.
Related Pages
- More about the Kraus-Weber fitness tests
- Other strength tests
- Back extension strength fitness exercise
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