ACE PERSONAL TRAINER MANUAL 5 TH EDITION Chapter

ACE PERSONAL TRAINER MANUAL 5 TH EDITION Chapter 7: Functional Assessments: Posture, Movement, Core, Balance, and Flexibility Lesson 7. 3

LEARNING OBJECTIVES • After completing this session, you will be able to: ü Demonstrate proper protocol for key balance and core tests ü Evaluate and interpret balance and core tests ü List and explain contraindications for each musculoskeletal movement screen or test © 2014 ACE

BALANCE AND THE CORE • Baseline assessments evaluate the need for comprehensive balance training and core conditioning. • Dynamic balance tests are generally movement-specific and quite complex. • Evaluate the basic level of static balance first by using the sharpened Romberg test and the stork-stand test. © 2014 ACE

SHARPENED ROMBERG TEST • General interpretations ü The client needs to maintain balance with good postural control (without excessive swaying) and not exhibit any of the test-termination criteria for >30 seconds. ü The inability to reach 30 seconds indicates inadequate static balance and postural control. © 2014 ACE

SHARPENED ROMBERG TEST • Observations ü Time the client’s performance until one of the following occurs: o The client loses postural control and balance o The client’s feet move on the floor o The client’s eyes open o The client’s arms move from the folded position o The client exceeds 60 seconds with good postural control © 2014 ACE

STORK-STAND BALANCE TEST • Objective: To assess static balance by standing on one foot in a modified stork-stand position © 2014 ACE

STORK-STAND BALANCE TEST • Observations ü Timing stops when any of the following occurs: o The hand(s) come off the hips. o The stance or supporting foot inverts, everts, or moves in any direction. o Any part of the elevated foot loses contact with the stance leg. o The heel of the stance leg touches the floor. o The client loses balance. © 2014 ACE

MCGILL’S TORSO MUSCULAR ENDURANCE TEST BATTERY • Trunk flexor endurance test • Trunk lateral endurance test • Trunk extensor endurance test © 2014 ACE

TRUNK FLEXOR ENDURANCE TEST • Objective: Assesses muscular endurance of the anterior deep core muscles • Contraindications ü Low-back pain ü Recent back surgery ü Acute low-back flare-up © 2014 ACE

TRUNK LATERAL ENDURANCE TEST • Objective: Assesses muscular endurance of the lateral core muscles • Contraindications ü ü © 2014 ACE Shoulder pain or weakness Low-back pain Recent back surgery Acute low-back flare-up

TRUNK EXTENSOR ENDURANCE TEST • Objective: Assesses muscular endurance of the torso extensor muscles • Contraindications ü A client with major strength deficiencies, where the individual cannot lift the torso from a forward flexed position to a neutral position ü A client with a high body mass, in which case it would be difficult for the trainer to support the client’s suspended upper-body weight ü Individuals who suffer from low-back pain, have had recent back surgery, and/or are in an acute low-back flare-up © 2014 ACE

MCGILL’S TORSO MUSCULAR ENDURANCE TEST BATTERY © 2014 ACE

SUMMARY • Baseline assessments evaluate the need for comprehensive balance training and core conditioning. • By adhering to the principle of “straightening the body before strengthening it, ” aided by the information provided by the assessments for stability and mobility, trainers may witness improved efficacy in their programs and an increased likelihood of success in terms of their clients attaining their goals. • Trainers can consider performing the assessments in this chapter and utilizing them as prerequisites to the more traditional assessments of body composition, aerobic fitness, and muscular fitness. © 2014 ACE