A cross-sectional study was performed on 62 female precision ice skaters to
determine whether a modified Marshall Test is a reliable measure of consti
tutional flexibility in young female athletes. These skaters were from the
Colonial Precision Skating Club of Acton, Massachusetts. Chronologic age ra
nged from 7 to 18 years with an average of 12.5 years (SD, 2.6 years). All
skaters were assigned a modified Marshall Test score (Micheli's 5-point sco
re) for both left and right thumbs. This score was then compared with their
hamstring-flexibility measure (left and right) and the external and intern
al rotation (ER and IR, respectively) of their shoulders. Positive linear r
elationships were found between Micheli's 5-point score (MS) on the right s
ide and both left and right hamstring and shoulder flexibility. However, th
e left-side MS was positively correlated only with the left hamstring and l
eft shoulder flexibility. We conclude that the modified Marshall test is a
reliable predictor of upper and lower extremity flexibility in female adole
scent athletes.