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Construct validity of a modification of the flexed arm hang test
1Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|July 2, 2014
Summary
The 90° modified flexed arm hang (MFAH) test is a valid and reliable measure of relative isometric strength (RIS) in college-aged women. This muscular fitness test does not correlate with absolute isometric strength (AIS).
Area of Science:
- Kinesiology and Exercise Science
- Musculoskeletal Physiology
- Sports Performance Measurement
Background:
- The flexed arm hang (FAH) is widely used for assessing muscular fitness, but its construct validity is not well-established.
- Previous research suggests modified FAH versions correlate moderately with relative dynamic strength, but not necessarily isometric strength.
- A significant portion of FAH and modified FAH performances involve isometric contractions, suggesting a potential link to isometric strength constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the construct validity of the 90° modified flexed arm hang (MFAH) test.
- To determine if the 90° MFAH correlates more strongly with relative isometric strength (RIS) or absolute isometric strength (AIS).
- To assess the reliability of the 90° MFAH test in college-aged women.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one college-aged women participated in the study.
- Inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the 90° MFAH were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
- Construct validity was examined by correlating 90° MFAH scores with absolute isometric strength (maximum volitional isometric contraction, MVIC) and relative isometric strength (MVIC × body mass) using Pearson product moment correlation.
Main Results:
- The 90° MFAH demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.99) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98).
- No significant relationship was found between 90° MFAH scores and absolute isometric strength (AIS) (r = 0.096, p = 0.606).
- A strong, significant positive relationship was observed between 90° MFAH scores and relative isometric strength (RIS) (r = 0.878, p = 0.000).
Conclusions:
- The 90° modified flexed arm hang (MFAH) is a reliable field test for assessing muscular fitness in college-aged women.
- The 90° MFAH is a valid measure of relative isometric strength (RIS), but not absolute isometric strength (AIS).
- This study provides evidence supporting the use of the 90° MFAH as a practical tool for evaluating relative isometric strength.
