Flexibility Testing
Each test should be performed using a couple of practice trials before actually recording scores.
The Chair Sit and Reach Test measures hamstring flexibility, which is indicative of lower body flexibility.
A chair is preferred with forward extended legs like a folding chair to avoid tipping it over. The client will sit
with one knee flexed at 90 degrees (lower leg perpendicular to the floor) and the test leg extended
(straight) so that the heel only rests on the floor. Have the client reach with both hands toward the toes of
the extended foot. Overlap both hands, one on top of the other and try to touch the toes with the middle
fingers of each hand while keeping the leg straight. If the leg begins to bend, have them back off until the
leg is able to remain in the straight position. Have them hold this position for two seconds. Have them
make two attempts and record the best try of the two. Measure and record the distance from the middle
fingers to the toes or tip of the shoe.
The following table lists average distances based on age. Scores lower than these figures are considered
below average. Scores higher than these figures are considered above average.
Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men - 2.5 -^ +4.0^ - 3.0 -^ +3.0^ - 3.0 -^ +3.0^ - 4.0 -^ +2.0^ - 5.5 -^ +1.5^ - 5.5 -^ +0.5^ - 6.5 -^ - 0.5^
Women - 0.5 - +5.0 - 0.5 - +4.5 - 1.0 - +4.0 - 1.5 - +3.5 - 2.0 - +3.0 - 2.5 - +2.5 - 4.5 - +1.0
Chair Seat and Reach Distance (inches)Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men - 6.4 -^ +10^ - 7.6 -^ +7.6^ - 7.6 -^ +7.6^ -^10 -^ +5.1^ -^14 -^ +3.8^ -^14 -^ +1.3^ -^16 -^ - 1.3^
Women - 1.3 - +13 - 1.3 - +11 - 2.5 - +10 - 3.8 - +8.9 - 5.1 - +7.6 - 6.4 - +6.4 - 11 - +2.5
Chair Seat and Reach Distance (cm)The Back Scratch Test measures shoulder flexibility, which is indicative of upper body flexibility. The
client will stand straight and reach behind the back and try to touch both hands together. On arm reaches
from above and the other is wrapped behind the waist reaching up to the other.
The following table lists average distances based on age. Scores lower than these figures are considered
below average. Scores higher than these figures are considered above average.
Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men - 6.5 -^ +0.0^ - 7.5 -^ - 1.0^ - 8.0 -^ - 1.0^ - 9.0 -^ - 2.0^ -^9 .5 -^ +2.0^ - 9.5 -^ - 3.0^ - 10.5 -^ - 4.0^
Women - 3.0 - +1.5 - 3.5 - +1.5 - 4.0 - +1.0 - 5.0 - +0.5 - 5.5 - +0.0 - 7.0 - 1.0 - 8.0 - - 1.0
Back Scratch Distance (inches)Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men - 16 - +0.0 - 19 - - 2.5 - 20 - - 2.5 - 23 - - 5.1 - 24 - +5.1 - 24 - - 7.6 - 26.7 - - 10
Women - 7.6 -^ +3.8^ - 8.9 -^ +3.8^ -^10 -^ +2.5^ -^13 -^ +1.3^ -^14 -^ +0.0^ -^18 –^ 2.5^ -^20 -^ - 2.5^
Back Scratch Distance (cm)