Acta Univ. Palacki. Olomuc., Gymn. 2013 43(1): 35-39 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2013.004

Reliability of V sit-and-reach test used for flexibility self-assessment in females

Roman Cuberek, Iva Machová, Michaela Lipenská
Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University, Olomouc

Background: The V sit-and-reach (VSR) test seems to be an appropriate instrument of self-assessment of hamstring and low-back flexibility for its ease of execution and the need for only a small amount of materials, space, and examination skill requirements. It is assumed that the specificity of self-assessment (in general) can be the cause of other sources of measurement error.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze reliability of VSR when used as an instrument of self-assessment of flexibility in adolescent females.

Methods: The sample comprised 43 students (female; age 21.2 ± 0.5 years) from Palacký University in Olomouc (Czech Republic). T-test (p < .05) and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess systematic bias and to determine intra-individual reliability of the flexibility test; the standard error of measurement (SEM) and Bland and Altman's 95% limits of agreement were used to assess absolute reliability of the flexibility test.

Results: The average intra-individual difference of 1.14 cm (increasing test performance) was found to be statistical significant (t = -5,375; df = 42). It was observed that high intra-individual reliability (r = .98); the absolute reliability (SEM) is equal to 0.139 cm.

Conclusions: This study provides evidence supporting the usage of VSR as a relevant instrument of self-assessment of hamstring and low-back flexibility in adolescent females.

Keywords: health-related fitness, measurement error, testing, university student

Prepublished online: March 31, 2013; Published: January 1, 2013  Show citation

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Cuberek, R., Machová, I., & Lipenská, M. (2013). Reliability of V sit-and-reach test used for flexibility self-assessment in females. Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica, 43(1), 35-39. doi: 10.5507/ag.2013.004
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