Core Strength Tests

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

• Bunkie Test

McGill described 3 functional performance tests (FPTs) for assessing core muscular capacity:

1. Lateral musculature test (performed bilaterally)¹
2. Flexor endurance test¹
3. Back extensors test¹

de Witt and Venter developed 5 FPTs for the lumbopelvic musculature:

1. Plank or modified plank with lower extremity support¹

This FPT has been coined the Bunkie test, derived from “bankie” the Afrikaans word for a little bench [14]. de Witt and Venter suggest that endurance athletes should be able to hold each test position for up to 40 s [14]. The aforementioned value represents a clinical recommendation by de Witt and Venter [14]; however, normative values for a general population are currently unknown.

Core power tests

• Hooklying position
• 4lb ball for women or 8lb ball for men
• Bring ball overhead with both hands
• perform a crunch while throwing the ball forward with both hands
• <18-22ft = lacking core power

References

1.

Brumitt J. The Bunkie Test: Descriptive Data for a Novel Test of Core Muscular Endurance. Rehabilitation Research and Practice. 2015;2015:1-9. doi:10.1155/2015/780127