BGZ2025
Training 3: Measuring physical activity and fitness
Presentation Powerpoint and text used during presentation
Group 6
3 tests:
1. 6-minute walk test
2. Chair sit-and-reach test
3. Trunk lift
Assignment 1: Validity
1.1 For each of the assigned tests:
a. What underlying construct or dimension of physical fitness does the test intend to
measure?
6-minute walk test
The 6-minute walk test is a submaximal exercise test in which the participant has to walk as
fast as they can during 6 minutes. The outcome measure is the distance that walked on a flat
hard underground. The test is used to asses the respondents performance ability. It evaluates
all systems that are involved during exercise, including the cardiovascular system, the
respiratory system and muscle metabolism. However, it does not provide specific information
on each of the individual mechanisms and organs involved in exercise. Another aspect of this
test that its participants usually don’t achieve their maximal exercise capacity. But most daily
activities are performed at a submaximal level so the 6-minute walk test may reflect the
functional level of daily activities better (6).
Chair sit-and-reach test
The chair sit-and-reach test is a field test used to measure hamstring and low back flexibility.
This test is very important, because maintaining hamstrings and low back flexibility are
relevant for the prevention of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, low back
problems, postural deviations, gait limitations and risk of falling (7). The participant who is
performing the test has to sit on a chair. It is important that the participant move forward until
he/ she is sitting near the front edge. The chair has to be placed against a wall for the stability
and safety during the test. The participant have to extend their leg of their own choice in the
front on their hip. While the participant is extending his/ her leg, the heel must be on the floor
and the ankle has to bent at 90 degrees. The participant has to inhale, and then as they
exhale, reach forward toward the toes by slowly bend forward at the hip joint. It is important
to keep the spine as straight as possible, the head up, the knee straight and hold the reach
for 2 seconds. The ‘reached score’ is the distance between the fingertips and the toes. If the
fingertips touch the toes then the score is zero. If the fingertips do not touch the toes then the
distance between the fingertips and toes is a negative score. If the fingertips reached
beyond the toes, then it is a plus score (7).
Trunk lift
The trunk lift test is also known as the trunk endurance test. This test assesses the absolute
extension flexibility of the trunk. The participant performing the test has to lay down on their
belly on an exercise mat. They then have to lift their head and chest of the mat as fat as they
can go, without hyperextending the head. The head should be kept in line with the spine and
Training 3: Measuring physical activity and fitness
Presentation Powerpoint and text used during presentation
Group 6
3 tests:
1. 6-minute walk test
2. Chair sit-and-reach test
3. Trunk lift
Assignment 1: Validity
1.1 For each of the assigned tests:
a. What underlying construct or dimension of physical fitness does the test intend to
measure?
6-minute walk test
The 6-minute walk test is a submaximal exercise test in which the participant has to walk as
fast as they can during 6 minutes. The outcome measure is the distance that walked on a flat
hard underground. The test is used to asses the respondents performance ability. It evaluates
all systems that are involved during exercise, including the cardiovascular system, the
respiratory system and muscle metabolism. However, it does not provide specific information
on each of the individual mechanisms and organs involved in exercise. Another aspect of this
test that its participants usually don’t achieve their maximal exercise capacity. But most daily
activities are performed at a submaximal level so the 6-minute walk test may reflect the
functional level of daily activities better (6).
Chair sit-and-reach test
The chair sit-and-reach test is a field test used to measure hamstring and low back flexibility.
This test is very important, because maintaining hamstrings and low back flexibility are
relevant for the prevention of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, low back
problems, postural deviations, gait limitations and risk of falling (7). The participant who is
performing the test has to sit on a chair. It is important that the participant move forward until
he/ she is sitting near the front edge. The chair has to be placed against a wall for the stability
and safety during the test. The participant have to extend their leg of their own choice in the
front on their hip. While the participant is extending his/ her leg, the heel must be on the floor
and the ankle has to bent at 90 degrees. The participant has to inhale, and then as they
exhale, reach forward toward the toes by slowly bend forward at the hip joint. It is important
to keep the spine as straight as possible, the head up, the knee straight and hold the reach
for 2 seconds. The ‘reached score’ is the distance between the fingertips and the toes. If the
fingertips touch the toes then the score is zero. If the fingertips do not touch the toes then the
distance between the fingertips and toes is a negative score. If the fingertips reached
beyond the toes, then it is a plus score (7).
Trunk lift
The trunk lift test is also known as the trunk endurance test. This test assesses the absolute
extension flexibility of the trunk. The participant performing the test has to lay down on their
belly on an exercise mat. They then have to lift their head and chest of the mat as fat as they
can go, without hyperextending the head. The head should be kept in line with the spine and
