Describe the procedure of the components of the Kraus-Weber Test?

Kraus-Weber Test

Dr Hans Kraus and Dr Sonja Weber developed the Kraus- Weber Minimum muscular strength Test in the 1950’s. The six-items medical fitness test measures the strength and flexibility of key postural (core) muscles. The test consists of five strength challenges and one general flexibility procedure.

Administration of the Kraus-Weber Test:

The following six tests of key muscle groups represent the minimal performance necessary for healthy living. Because this is a minimum test, you will need to be able to perform All six parts successfully.

Test-1

Purpose: To measure the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles.

Procedure: The subject lies down in supine position i.e.flat on his back and hands behind his neck. The legs are straight. The examiner holds the feet to keep them on the ground. The subject is asked to perform one sit-up.

Test-2

Purpose: to assess the strength of the abdominal muscles.

Procedure: The subject lies down in a supine position flat on his back and hands behind his neck except that this time the knees are bent. The examiner holds the feet to keep them on the ground. The subject is required to perform one sit-up.

Test-3

Purpose: to assess the strength of the psoas and lower abdominal muscles.

Procedure: Subject lies in supine position i.e., flat on his back with his hands behind the neck. He is asked to raise his feet 25 cm (10 inches) from the ground. His legs should be straight, no bending at the knee.

Test-4

Purpose: to assess the strength of the upper back muscles.

Procedure: The subject lies in prone position i.e.face down on his stomach with a pillow under his lower abdomen and his hands behind his neck. The examiner holds his feet down. The subject is asked to raise his chest, head and shoulders, while the examiner counts to 10 seconds.

Test-5

Purpose: to assess the strength of the lower back muscles.

Procedure: The subject lies in prone position i.e.face down on his stomach with a pillow under this lower abdomen and his hands behind his neck. The examiner holds his chest down. The subject is asked to raise his feet, keeping his knees straight. The examiner counts to 10 seconds.

Test-6

Purpose: To measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles.

Procedure: The subject stands erect, bare-footed, hands at sides and feet together. He is asked to lean down slowly to touch the floor with finger-tips for 10 seconds. Bouncing and jerking are not allowed. The examiner holds his knees in order to prevent any bending.