Starting Instructions

  1. Set-up timer and space for evaluee to safely bend forward.
  2.  During the instruction of this test the client needs to be instructed that they should bend to a height as close to their toes as possible but that they should go to a height that they can safely return to a full erect position without losing their balance
    or without causing undue biomechanical stress.
  3.  "Start standing with your hands at your side, bend forward as close to your toes as you can, repeatedly for 1 minute at a workday pace."

Ending Instructions

  1. If during the test you observe a safety risk, stop the test. Record the Endpoint as Safety.
  2. If the evaluee stops the test prior to completion and has not reached a biomechanical limit, say “Before we end this test, I want to let you know that your bending movement looked safe. Based on my observation, would you like to continue?”
  3. If the evaluee chooses not to continue, record the Endpoint as Client and document their stated reason(s) for stopping. If the evaluee agrees to continue, restart the test.
  4.  If the heart rate is above 85% endpoint = Heart Rate, otherwise Endpoint = Complete.

Clinical Observations

  • use of compensatory strategies such as bracing through the arms, trunk sway, or altered mechanics

  • pain behaviours including guarding, grimacing, verbal report, or early stopping

  • physiological responses including breathing rate, facial tension, and visible signs of exertion.

  • depth of bend and whether trunk flexion is shallow, partial, or full

  • pace consistency and whether movement slows naturally with repetition

  • movement quality and symmetry