lab assignment

LAB 4

Flexibility and Neuromotor (Balance) Tests

Purpose

The purpose of this lab is to administering and compare results from flexibility and balance tests using direct (universal goniometers) and indirect (sit-and-reach test; one-leg stance and star excursion tests for balance) methods to assess range of joint motion (ROM) and static and dynamic balance.

Equipment

· Universal goniometers

· Anthropometric tape measures

· Yardsticks

· Sit-and-reach box (if available)

· Stopwatch

· Star excursion grid (see figure 12.3)

Testing Procedures

1. Work in groups of two. One student serves as the client, the second student is the technician. Rotate positions after completing all measurements until each student has served in each role.

2. Follow the standardized testing procedures for measuring range of motion using the universal goniometer (see table 10.2), Administer two trials for each test item listed on the data collection form, and use the best score.

3. Follow the standardized testing procedure for the standard sit-and-reach test (see p. 314). Administer two trials and use the best score.

4. Follow the standardized procedures for measuring static balance using the one-leg stance (see p. 344). Administer three trials and use the best score.

5. Follow the standardized procedures for the star excursion test. Administer three trials for each of the following directions: anteromedial, medial, posteromedial. To quantify reach distance in each direction, average the scores from all three trials.

Data Analysis

1. Compare the client's sit-and-reach test score to the age-gender percentile rankings presented in table 10.4.

2. Obtain a master list of class members' sit-and reach and skin distraction scores and calculate the relationship between these two test items using the Pearson product-moment correlation technique.

3. Compare your client's one-leg stance score to norms (see table 12.1).

4. Compare your client's star excursion test scores to norms (see table 12.4).

Data Collection Form for Flexibility and Balance Tests

Client’s Demographics

Flexibility Tests	Trial 1	Trial 2	Best score	Rating (above average, average, or below average)
Universal goniometer test items
Shoulder flexion	140	155	155
Shoulder extension	65	60	65
Elbow flexion	30	30	30
Hip flexion	10	15	15
Hip extension	35	30	35
Knee flexion	20	25	25
Ankle flexion	15	20	20
Indirect tests
Sit-and-reach	26	27	27

Balance Tests	Trial 1	Trial 2	Trial 3	Best score	Rating (see above)
One-leg stance	7	4	5	7
Star excursion tests · Anteromedial · Medial · Posteromedial	85 90 105

The participant is left leg dominant

Leg length 107cm