Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

MUSCULAR ENDURANCE is the ability to repeat identical movements (dynamic) or pressures (static) or maintain a fixed tension over a period of time (static).

Tests of endurance are widely used in fitness testing programs and are also used to determine readiness for vigorous activity. Scoring is based on the number of repetitions or the time that the tension is maintained. Endurance is associated with strength and depends on the numbers of capillaries supplying the muscles.

Omit this test if the client so wishes, if he is over 50, or is in poor physical condition.

TEST: Bent knee sit-ups

PURPOSE: To determine abdominal muscle endurance

AGE: 17-60

SEX: Male and Female

EQUIPMENT: A comfortable surface (such as a foam pad) and a stopwatch.

PROCEDURE: The client lies on his back, knees flexed, feet flat on the floor, heels 12-18 inches from the buttocks. Arms are crossed at the chest, hands resting on the opposite shoulder. The tester gives the signal: "ready, go."

On the word "go," the stopwatch is started, and the client begins. He will perform as many correct sit-ups as possible in 60 seconds, while the tester holds the client's feet firmly to the floor.

Only those sit-ups done in a CORRECT MANNER are counted. One sit-up is correctly completed when the thighs are touched with the elbows and the client returns to the down position (mid-back contacts the test surface). The client may pause whenever necessary.

At the end of 60 seconds, the tester gives the signal: "stop." Note the number of correctly executed sit-ups on the "Health/Fitness Test Results" sheet.