Strength Endurance Test: Powerline 'Bunkie' Tests

The Bunkie Test is a functional performance battery involving five plank-style test positions performed bilaterally. Research has reported descriptive data for healthy adults and describes the test as a way to assess aspects of core muscular endurance and line-based stability.  

Equipment Required

• Bunkie bench, box or step of standard height
• Mat
• Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
• Optional Measurz AR measurement for bench height and setup
• Optional inclinometer for body alignment
• Measurz platform for side, position, time, symptoms and comparison

Protocol

The five positions are commonly performed bilaterally and may include anterior, posterior, lateral, medial and rotational line variations. The client holds each position for time until form failure.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record hold time for each position and side. Compare:

• Left versus right
• Line-to-line differences
• Baseline versus retest
• Symptom response
• Compensation patterns

Normative Data, Benchmarks or Reference Values

A study of 112 healthy adults reported descriptive data for the Bunkie Test and noted that existing performance measures had previously relied heavily on clinical recommendations.  

Practical Guide

Many field protocols use 20–40 seconds as a practical target per position, with some advanced clients progressing toward 40+ seconds. Use internal benchmarks and side-to-side comparison rather than rigid cut-offs.

Reliability and Validity

Evidence is still developing. The Bunkie Test may be useful as a field battery, but exact interpretation depends on position, protocol, bench height and stopping criteria.  

Common Errors

Inconsistent bench height, poor alignment, hip drop, shoulder compensation, comparing modified versions and not recording symptoms.

Measurz / MAT Recording

Record position, side, time, bench height, symptoms, compensations and retest date. Use AR measurement for setup and stopwatch for timing.

References

Brumitt, J., Matheson, J. W., Meira, E. P., & others. (2015). The Bunkie test: Descriptive data for a novel test of core muscular endurance. Rehabilitation Research and Practice.  

Cronin, J., et al. (2019). Assessment and application of the Bunkie test in college students. Physical Therapy in Sport.