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Title: Senior Evaluations
I am looking for any advice on how to measure flexibility in the senior population. I can't use the sit and reach test I have, because they can't sit down on the floor. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good sound flexibility test or tests for this population?
I am looking for any advice on how to measure flexibility in the senior population. I can't use the sit and reach test I have, because they can't sit down on the floor. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good sound flexibility test or tests for this population?
Name: sgeib
Date: Jul. 27th, 2002
Date: Jul. 27th, 2002
Title: Re: Senior Evaluations
Well it seems to me that though the sit and reach test is the most popular test for flexibility, that even if the client is able to sit on the floor, it may not test a person's complete flexibility. It just tests for trunk flexion which more or less just tests the flexibility in the lower back and hamstrings.
It would seem to me then that the best approach might be to try various different stretches to better assess the client's needs. Even if the test doesn't have any standard criteria, you can chart the client's progress which really is more important.
I have a few ideas right here. A test for shoulder flexibility is to have the client put one hand as far down towards the shoulder blades as possible while putting the other hand behind the back reaching up as far as possible. If both hands can shake each other flexibility is superior, if they can just touch it is pretty good, and if they don't touch work needs to be done.
Another example is a lying hamstring stretch, keep one leg lying straight on the ground and raise the other as far as possible keeping the leg straight. If the person can't go beyond 90 degrees than hamstring flexibility is poor.
These are just a few examples, I can give you a few more if you'd like. I urge you just to be creative and also I applaud you for working with this population and understanding how important it is for them to be flexible.
Name: freewill Mike
Date: Jul. 28th, 2002
Date: Jul. 28th, 2002
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