A New Curl-Up Test of Abdominal Endurance.

This study evaluates a new method of administering a trunk-curl test of abdominal muscular endurance and establishes a series of norms for college students and adults. The test utilizes a piece of cardboard that is cut out so that it can be held at the level of the navel of the testee and perpendicular to the floor. The test is administered with fingers interlaced behind the head, knees bent, and feet not anchored. The elbow must touch the board on the opposite side for each score. Ninety-six college students were given four test trials to determine test-retest reliability for both timed and untimed test administrations. Reliability coefficients of .91 and .91 were found for timed and untimed administrations, respectively, for female subjects. Coefficients of .80 and .84 were found for the timed and untimed test administrations, respectively, for male subjects. (Tables indicating norms for adults aged 18-56 are presented.) (Author/JS)