Sunday, December 12, 2010

Shoulder Stretch Fitness Assessment Test



Kean University's Physical Education Fitness Assessment Test.


First Test Administered: 10/18/2010

Next test date will be: 4/20/2010

Shoulder Stretch :
The shoulder stretch is a simple test of upper arm and shoulder girdle flexibility intended to parallel the strength/endurance assessment of that region.


Test Objective:
To be able to touch the fingertips together behind the back by reaching over the shoulder and under the elbow.


Equipment and Facilities:
You will need a 12 inch ruler to measure the space between the finger tips if the student can not touch their finger tips together. This test can be administered in a class room setting or a gymnasium.

How to peform the should Stretch Test: Test Description-
The students are to select a partner. The partner judges ability to complete the stretch. To test the right shoulder, Student A reaches with the right hand over the right shoulder and down the back as if to pull up a zipper or scratch between the shoulder blades( palm facing the back). At the same time partner A places the left hand behind the back and reaches up, ( palm facing out ward) trying to touch the fingers of the right hand. Partner B observes whether the fingers touch. To test the left shoulder, partner A reaches with the left hand over the left shoulder and down the back as if to pull up a zipper or scratch between the shoulder blades. At the same time partner A places the right hand behind the back and reaches up, trying to touch the fingers of the left hand. Student B notes whether the fingers touch or not.

Scoring:
If the student is able to touch his or her fingers with the left hand over the shoulder, a “Y” is recorded for the left side; if not, an “N” is recorded. If the student is able to touch the fingers with the right hand over the shoulder, a “Y” is recorded for the right side; otherwise an “N” is recorded. To achieve the Healthy Fitness Zone, a “Y” must be recorded on both the right and left side, otherwise you will need improvement

Results of the First test:
Out of 25 students 14 of them tested in the Healthy category while 12 of them tested for " Needs Improvement."

Girls-8 out of 13 girls tested Healthy
while 5 out of 12 boys tested Healthy.

These numbers show that the females in this class have a better range of motion in their shoulder joint than the boys in the class do. So how can we help improve flexibility?

How do you prepare for this test?:

In order to do well on this test you must have a full range of motion in your shoulder joints. Having the full range of motion means your have good flexibility.

What is Flexibility?

A person's flexibility refers to the ability of your joints to move through a full range of motion. Having flexibility in your muscles allows for more movement around the joints which will allow you to protect your body from injuries.

How can you improve Flexibility?
Stretching!

Why Should You Stretch?
You'll improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury

You'll reduce muscle soreness and improve your posture
You'll help reduce lower back pain

You'll increase blood and nutrients to the tissues
You'll improve your coordination
You'll enjoy exercise more and help reduce stress

Things you can do outside the classroom to help improve:


Yoga
Stetching daily
Martial arts
Eating Healthy
Daily Activities