Strength Endurance Test: Sit Up - 60 seconds & Endurance

Sit-ups in 60 seconds is a fitness test that measures the endurance of your abdominal muscles. To perform it:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Cross your arms over your chest or place your hands behind your head (avoid pulling on your neck).
3. Engage your core muscles and lift your upper body off the ground until your elbows touch your thighs or come close to your knees.
4. Lower your upper body back to the starting position without completely resting your back on the ground.
5. Repeat this movement as many times as possible within 60 seconds.

Normative data for this test can vary based on age, gender, and fitness level. However, here's a general guideline for average performance:

• Excellent: 40 or more sit-ups in 60 seconds
• Good: 30-39 sit-ups in 60 seconds
• Average: 20-29 sit-ups in 60 seconds
• Below Average: Less than 20 sit-ups in 60 seconds

Remember, proper form is crucial to prevent injury and get an accurate measure of your abdominal strength. Avoid using momentum or straining your neck during the exercise. If you're just starting, it's wise to start slow and gradually increase the number of sit-ups as your core strength improves.

References:

1. HALPERN, ALAN A., and EUGENE E. BLECK. "Sit-up exercises: an electromyographic study." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (1976-2007) 145 (1979): 172-178.
2. Wedemeyer, Ross. "A differential analysis of sit-ups for strength and muscular endurance." Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation 17.1 (1946): 40-47.
3. Jackson, Allen W., et al. "Relations of sit-up and sit-and-reach tests to low back pain in adults." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 27.1 (1998): 22-26.