New proposal for evaluation of flexibility

Abstract

The sit-and-reach test (SRT) is one of the most well-known and used tests in health-related physical fitness test batteries. However, many studies suggested that the antropometrics characteristics could interfere in the results of flexibility measurements when using SRT. The aims of this study were to present a tool to measure flexibility, and to verify the reliability of its measures. A new instrument was developed (Flexibility Training and Evaluation Bench - FTEB), which measures the flexibility and allows a personalized adjustment eliminating the antropometrics influences. Nineteen men volunteered to participate in this study. All subjects were evaluated using the FTEB in two moments (test 1= test and test 2= retest), six weeks apart. Two treals were allowed for each leg in both testing sessions in each testing session were administered two trials for each leg. The results indicated significant correlations between both flexibility measurements taken in test 1 (r = 0,98) and test 2 (r = 0,99). The test 1 and test 2 intraclass correlation coefficent was 0,88 (p <0,01). In conclusion, the antropometrics characteristics influences in the flexibility measurement using the FTEB, were eliminated, and it was verified a high reliability of the flexibility scores