Discuss the Back Scratch test for upper body flexibility.

Back Scratch Test :

Purpose: To assess the upper body (shoulder) flexibility, which is important in performing various jobs such as combing one’s hair, putting on overhead garments and reaching for a seat belt etc.

Equipment Required: A ruler.

Procedure:- This test is performed in a standing position. Keep one hand behind the head and back over the shoulder and reach as far as the possible down middle of the back. Palm should touch to the body and the fingers should be downwards.

Then carry another arm behind back palm facing outward and fingers upward and reach up as far as possible trying to touch or overlap the middle fingers of both hands.

Fingers should be aligned. Measure the distance between the tips of the fingers. If the fingertips touch then the score is zero. If they do not touch measure the distance between the fingertips (–ve score).

If they overlap measure by how much (+ive score). Practise two times and then test.