Purpose: The purpose of this test is to measure trunk flexion. This will be determined by your ability to stretch the lower back and hamstring muscles.

Equipment: Equipment needed is a flex box with a measuring scale marked in inches of centimeters. (NOTE: A yardstick taped to either the lowest row of bleachers or to a bench turned on its side can be used.)

1. Remove your shoes and sit with your knees fully extended and the bottom of your feet against the surface of the flex box.
2. Your arms are extended forward, with one hand placed on the top of the other.
3. With the instructor or partner holding your knees straight, steadily reach as far forward as possible and maintain this position for 3 seconds. (NOTE: No bouncing or jerking movements are allowed, and it is important that the knees remain absolutely straight. Slight flexion at the knee joint will greatly influence the results.)

Scoring: The distance in front of or beyond the edge of the board that can be sustained is measured and recorded. Measurements in front of the board are negative, whereas those beyond are positive. Record your score in the space provided below.

Trunk flexion- sit and reach______ inches
(Be sure to indicate + or -.)

Classification of Scores
To evaluate your score, refer to Table 6-1.