Trunk Lift Explanation

Trunk Lift Example

Improve/Maintain Out of Class

Students can continue to practice good posture out of class as well as in class. Yoga can be done for 15 to 20 minutes of consecutive movement to also improve or maintain trunk extensor strength and flexibility at home. Practicng the superman will also benefit as a good practice of strengtheing. Using the abdominal muscles, hamstings, and back extensors to perform strecthes will benefit the lower back.

Improve/Maintain In Class

Students can improve or maintain good trunk extensors by practicing good posture when standing and sitting. We will also work to improve and maintain through daily strecthes performed before our daily lesson. Which includes,several yoga poses such as the cobra, cat/cow, and forward bend. Stretches will incorporate the abdominal muscles, hamstrings, and back extensors to maintain a healthy low back.

Class Performance

The classes performance as a whole shows that everyone in the class is in the healthy range for test 1 and 2 of the trunk lift. For test one, the males scored on average higher than the girls for both trial trunk lifts. The results from test one also reveal that lower scores were recorded for the class as whole for the first trial trunk lift. Females scored slightly lower than the males for test one. As a whole for test one, 5 students scored lower on first trial, 2 scored lower on second trial, 5 scored higher on the second trial, and 9 students scores reamined the same for trial 1 and 2. The male average for trial 1: 11.83 inches, trial 2: 11.83 in. Female average for trial 1:11 inches, trial 2: 11.6 in. Class average for trial 1: 11.31 inches, trial 2: 11.62in. The standard deviation for trial 1 was .95, trial 2 was .5.

For the second round of testing all students results were in the healthy range again. On average everone's scores improved or ramianed the same. Males scored higher on average than the females. As a whole fro test two, 12 students obtained the same score for both trial 1 and 2, 2 students scored lower on the second test, and 2 students scored lower on the first trial. The male average for trial 1: 11.9 inches, trial 2: 11.85 in. Feamle averages for trial 1: 11.83 inches, trial 2: 11.83 in. The class averag for trial 1: 11.88 inches, trial 2: 11.84 in. The standard deviation for trial 1 was .34, trail 2 was .30.

All the students obtained scores which are in the healthy range. For trial 1 of test 1, 5 students scored lower than trail 2. After practicing the test scores improved for trial 2 of test 2. Test 2 the scores were higher as a whole because students were comfortable with the test and knew how to do it with correct form.

Control for Reliability

The trunk extensor test can be very realiable. The time between test administraion may effect the results slightly. Changes in the test takers body may also alter the results of the test. Students could alter the accuracy of the test results by not focusing on the chip placed infront of them and maintaing a neutral spine. To control the realiability the same equipment was used during both tests. The same directions were also recalled for both testing trials.

Test Validity

NASPE or National Associtaion for Sports and Physical Education recommends that the trunk lift be administered as part of the FITNESSGRAM. The FITNESSGRAM was designed by the Cooper Institute and is reconized by NASPE as a valid test. The FITNESGRAM will assist in acccomplishing the primary objective of youth fitness programs, which is to help students establish physical activity as a part of their daily lives.

Possible Class Preparation

Class prepartion for the trunk extensor strength and flexibility test is done during the daily stretches done before each daily lesson. Working on our abdominal muscles while performing curl up could help to prepare for the test. Preforming plank holds has also helped to prepare for the trunk lift test.

What Did It Assess: Fitness Components

The trunk lift test assess trunk extensor strength and flexibilty. Results can determine lower back health and determine if improvement is needed.

Date of Assessments

The first Trunk Lift test will be given in Room 131. The testing will begin promptly at 8:45am on Monday, 7/12/10. The second test will also be conducted in Room 131 at 8:45am on Monday, 7/26/10. Please dress in comfortable clothing.

How to Improve In and Out of Class

To improve for the Trunk lift test students can practice yoga poses and other stretches that have been done in class. The "superman" and lotus pose will benefit the students trunk extensors. To strecth and strengthen the trunk extensors throughotu the day proper posture should be maintained.

Preparation for Assessment

To prepare for the trunk extensor strength and flexibility test, students will first pick a partner of thier choice to work with during the test. Each set of partners will then be given a ruler to measure, a red chip to focus on, and a mat for comfort while taking the test. Each student will also be given a handout with a brief description of the test and why it is important. The handout will be used to record the scores of each test and will be handed in at the end of class.

Evaluation Criterion

Healthy Fitness Zones
The healthy fitness zone for a male age 17+ is between 9 to 12 inches. Males that score less than 9 inches need improvement.
The healthy fitness zone for a female age 17+ is between 9 to 12 inches. Below 9 inches needs improvement.
Test takers should not exceed past 12 inches, even if capable to avoid compression of the spinal discs.

Fitness Assessment & Brief Overview

The trunk lift is conducted by the test taker lying on a mat in the prone position (facedown)with the toes pointed. Hands should then be placed under the thighs. A coin or another marker will be placed on the floor in line with the test takers eyes. The test taker should lift their trunk off the floor using trunk extensor muscles in a slow and controlled manner. While lifting the trunk off the ground the test takers eyes must remain focused on the coin to maintain neutral alignmnet with the spine. A partner or teacher will measure the distance from the floor to the test takers chin. The mesurement will be taken in inches with a ruler or yardstick. Once the results are determined the test taker should return to the prone position on the floor in a slow and controlled manner. Each test taker will be given to two trials, recording both scores.

Fitness Component & It's Importance

The Trunk Lift is a test which measures the trunk extensor strength and flexibility. A person's lower back health and proper verterbal alignment can be determined from the trunk lift test. Musculoskeletal fitness of the abdominal muscles, hamstrings, and back extensors work together to maintain good posture and help maintain low back health. A healthy back is important to maintain throughout your whole life.

Name/Department Info

Kean University
Physical Education Department
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
908-737-KEAN (5326)
www.kean.edu