Dr. Hans Kraus and Dr. Sonja Weber developed the Kraus- Weber Minimum Test in the 1950’*. The six-item 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. The Kraus-Weber Tests do not require sophisticated equipment and are easy to administer.
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 - I : Purpose : To measure the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles.
Procedure : The subject **** 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.
Score : If he cannot raise his shoulders from the table or ground the score **** zero.*
Test -2 Purpose : to assess the strength of the abdominal muscles.
Procedure : The lying positon for this test is same as the first K-W test - the subject **** 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.
Score: If he unable to raise his shoulders from the table or ground, he gets zero.
Test -3 Purpose : to assess the strength of the psoas and lower abdominal muscles.
Procedure : Subject **** in supine position i.e.. flat on his back with his hands behind the neck. He is asked to raise his feet 25cm (10 inches) from the ground. His legs should be straight, no bending at the knee.
Score : He passes this test if he holds that position for ten seconds. Scoring from 0-10 depends upon the number of seconds he holds the appropriate position.
Test -4 Purpose : to assess the strength of the upper back muscles.
Procedure : The subject **** 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.
Score : He passes this test if he holds that position for ten seconds :- Scoring from 0-10 depends upon the number of seconds he holds the exact position.
Test #5 : Lower Back
Test-5 Purpose :- to assess the strength of the lower back muscles.
Procedure :- The subject **** 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.
Score: Scoring from 0-10 depends on the number of seconds he holds the position.
Test-6 Purpose : To measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles.
Procedure : The subject stands *****, bare-footed, hands at sides and feet together. He is asked to lean down slowly to touch the floor with finger-tips for 10 second. Bouncing and jerking is not allowed. The examiner holds his knees in order to prevent any bending.
Score : Scoring from 0-10 depends on the number of seconds he holds the position
