Abstract

The targets of this study were to compare the score and hamstring criterion-related validity among different sit and reach tests. Methods. A hundred and thirty males (mean age: 22.9 ± 3.2 years) and 110 females (mean age: 23.2 ± 4.5 years) were asked to perform the back-saver sit-and-reach (left and right leg), modified sit-and-reach (MSR ), sit-and-reach (SR ), toetouch (TT ), V sit-and-reach and straight leg raise (left and right leg) tests in a randomized order. The score was measured with a sit-and-reach box when subjects reached forward as far as possible without bending the knees. Results. Significant differences were found on score among several tests in males (p < 0.001). The females showed more homogenous values. For all SR test, hamstring criterion-related validity was low to moderate in males (r = 0.41-0.62) and moderate in females (r = 0.62-0.75). The TT yielded the highest r-values with hamstring criterion. The MSR presented the lowest correlation values. Conclusions. Administration procedures of sit-and-reach test influence the score in males. The TT and SR are better test than the other protocols because they show greater criterion-related validity as measures of hamstring muscle extensibility.