The relationship between the traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests scores with some anthropometric variables in secondary boy students

Introduction: The traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests (SRT) are commonly used to assess the flexibility of the spine and hamstring muscles. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between traditional and modified sit-and-reach tests scores with some anthropometric variables in secondary boy students. Materials and Methods: Ninety-two male students (Mean age ± SD; 13.22 ± 5.67 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric variables of weight, height, lower limbs length, trunk length and ratio of the lower extremity length to the upper body were measured. Then subjects performed traditional and modified flexibility tests. Linear regression was used to calculate the coefficient of determination and standardized B coefficient. Results: The results indicated that, coefficient of determination of modified test was less than the coefficient of determination of traditional test (P = 0.081 and P = 0.179, respectively). Also, the length of upper extremity and height had the most and the least impacts on the results of traditional (B = 1.24 and B = 0.80, respectively) and modified (B = 2.61 and B = -1.82, respectively) flexibility tests. Conclusion: These findings show that the anthropometric variables affect on the scores of both traditional and modified sit and reach tests relatively. Therefore the individual differences should be considered while application of these selected tests. Keywords: Anthropometric variables, Flexibility, Traditional sit and reach test, Modified sit and reach test