DEVELOPMENT OF A CADENCE CURL-UP TEST FOR COLLEGE-STUDENTS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cadence curl-up, test in a college population as compared to the American Alliance for Health, P hysical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) 1-min sit-up test (A ssociation for Research and Professional Councils and Societies, 1985) and the Robertson 1-min curl-up test (Robertson & Magnusdottir, 1987) . A cadence curl-up test, referred to as the GT curl-up test, was set at 25 repetitions per minute. A total of 205 college students complete d three trials consisting of one AAHPERD sit-up trial and two GT curl- zip trials. A subsample (n = 85) completed the Robertson curl-up test as a fourth trial. Trials were counterbalanced with 7 days rest betwee n each test. To evaluate content validity, electromyography signals fr om selected muscle sites were measured on 6 participants for each of t he three tests. Mean scores and standard deviations for the GT curl-up test, AAHPERD sit-up lest, and Robertson curl-up test were M = 46.2, SD = 17.8; M = 46.4, SD = 10.2; and M = 69.7, SD = 14.1), respectively . Pearson product moment correlations among the three tests were low t o moderate (r less than or equal to .50). The intraclass correlation r eliability estimate for the GT curl-up test was 0.92. In 1-min speed t ests, repeated rapid trunk flexion can adversely affect technique and has raised safety concerns (Jette, Sidney & Cicutti, 1984; Faulkner; S prigings, McQuarrie, & Bell, 1989; Cooper Institute for Aerobics Resea rch, 1994). The Robertson test also requires the use of a curl-up fram e. In the GT cadence test these drawbacks are minimized due to a slowe r, more controlled movement with an objective endpoint that is not dep endent on special equipment. Moreover, our EMG findings supported prev ious reports that curl-up exercise with feet unanchored minimizes rect us femoris involvement. Based on the results of tills study, the GT cu rl-up test was found to be a reliable field test with logical validity supporting its relevance as an index of abdominal muscular endurance among college students.