Criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach tests in university men in Hong Kong

To examine the criterion-related validity of traditional, modified, and YMC A sit-and-reach tests and the relationships of these with abdominal muscula r strength and endurance measured by the sit-up tear, 52 university men of mean age 20.7 yr. were administered two trials of six measurements in count erbalanced order, including traditional, modified, and YMCA sit-and-reach t ests, passive straight-leg raise, low-back flexibility evaluation, and 1-mi n. sit-up test. Pearson product-moment correlations were significant (p<.05 ) for traditional and modified sit-anti-reach tests with hamstrings' flexib ility (rs=.71 and .77, respectively), Also, the YMCA sit-and-reach test was significantly associated with hamstrings' flexibility (r=.64) and low-back flexibility (r=. 47). Stepwise multiple regression indicated hamstrings' f lexibility was the only significant predictor of traditional and modified s it-and-reach rests, explaining the variances of 59.1% and 19.8%, respective ly. However, both hamstring and low-back flexibility were significant predi ctors fur the YMCA sit-and-reach test, which in total accounted for 52.2% o f explained variance. Traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests are vali d in assessing hamstrings' flexibility only, whereas the YMCA sit-and-reach test is valid for measuring both the hamstring and low-back flexibility.