Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Validity of the modified back-saver sit-and-reach test: a comparison with other protocols

2000; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00005768-200009000-00021

1530-0315

Stanley Sai‐chuen Hui, Pak Yan Yuen,

Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

SAI-CHUEN HUI, S., and P. Y. YUEN. Validity of the modified back-saver sit-and-reach test: a comparison with other protocols. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 32, No. 9, pp. 1655–1659, 2000. Purpose Studies have shown that the classical sit-and-reach (CSR) test, the modified sit-and-reach (MSR), and the newly developed back-saver sit-and-reach (BS) test have poor criterion-related validity in estimating low-back flexibility but yielded moderate criterion-related validity in hamstring flexibility. The V sit-and-reach (VSR) test was found to be practical but the validity has not been established. The purpose of this study was to propose a modified back-saver sit-and-reach (MBS) test, which incorporated all advantages of the various protocols, and to compare the criterion-related validity and reliability of all these tests. Methods 158 college students (F = 96, and M = 62; age = 20.77 ± 2.51) performed CSR, VSR, BS (left and right leg), and MBS (left and right leg) tests in a randomized order. Scores from each test were then correlated with the criterion measures. Results For all sit-reach tests, intraclass reliability (single trial) was very high (r = 0.89–0.98). MBS yielded significant and highest r with low-back and hamstring criterion for men (r = 0.47–0.67) and women (r = 0.23–0.54). The low-back and right hamstring validity of MBS for men were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those from BS and CSR, whereas no differences in criterion-related validity were found between the MBS and other protocols in women. The ratings of perceived comfort among the sit-and-reach protocols were significantly different (P < 0.001) from each other. The rating for MBS was observed the most comfortable test as compared with other protocols. Conclusion The MBS test is not only a reliable test for hamstring and low-back flexibility, it is also a more practical with improved validity for hamstring and low-back flexibility in men than previous protocols.