Outline the procedure for the modified Sit-and-Reach Test. Warm ...

[bucstennis@aim.com]

Outline the procedure for the modified Sit-and-Reach Test. Warm up properly before the first trial. Remove your shoes for the test. Sit on the floor with the hips, back, and head against a wall, the legs fully extended, and the bottom of the feet against the Acuflex I or sit-and-reach box. Place the hands one on top of the other and reach forward as far as possible without letting the head and back come off the wall (the shoulders may be rounded as much as possible, but neither the head nor the back should come off the wall as at this time). The technician then can slide the reach indicator on the Acuflex I (or yardstick) along the top of the box until the end of the indicator touches the participant's fingers. The indicator then must be held firmly in place throughout the rest of the test. Now your head and back can come off the wall. Gradually reach forward three times, the third time stretching forward as far as possible on the indicator (or yardstick) and holding the final position for at least 2 seconds. Be sure that during the test you keep the backs of the knees flat against the floor. Record the final number of inches reached to the nearest  inch. You are allowed two trials, and an average of the two scores is used as the final test score. The respective percentile ranks and fitness categories for this test are given in Tables 8.1 and 8.4.

Question 2

Discuss the importance of adequate flexibility for older adults and how stretching exercises can help.

[joshraies]

Answer to Question 1



Answer to Question 2

Good range of motion is critical in older life. Muscle elasticity and bone strength both tend to decline as people age. Because of decreased flexibility, older adults lose mobility and may be unable to perform simple daily tasks such as bending forward or turning. Many older adults cannot turn their head or rotate their trunk to look over their shoulder but, rather, must step around 90-180 degrees to see behind them. Adequate flexibility is also important in driving. Individuals who lose range of motion with age are unable to look over their shoulder to switch lanes or to parallel-park, which increases the risk for automobile accidents. Physical activity and exercise can be hampered severely by lack of good range of motion. Lack of flexibility also may be a cause of falls and subsequent injury in older adults. A simple stretching program can alleviate or prevent reduced flexibility and help people return to an exercise program.

[bucstennis@aim.com]

Excellent

[mcarey591]

TYSM