Strength Conditioning and Nutrition 101

Written By Vincent St. Pierre
Hypermobility screen


Almost everyone today is extremely inflexible. With all the desk jobs today, it can sure cause your muscles to shorten and tighten. Research has shown that from holding a position for 20 minutes can cause your muscles to begin shortening and we sit around at work for 8 hours.

Before assessing ones shortened muscles and lack of flexibility, we first need to check areas of too much flexibility and double joint. You may be thinking, how can you be too flexible? How can being overly flexible be a problem?



Well research has demonstrated that if you have flexibility that goes beyond the following amounts, your risk of injury significantly increases.

In this test, give a score of 1 if you are capable of doing these, score for your right and left side. If you cannot complete, give a score of 0. This system is graded like a game of golf; the lower the score the better. Sum all of the right and left scores. If your final score is greater than 5 you are hypermobile and are at great risk of injury.

The Test
1. Extend the first finger (2nd digit) over the back of the hand—if 90 degrees or greater score:

1 point left
1 point right

2. Flex the thumb toward the forearm—if the thumb touches the forearm
Score:
1 point left
1 point right
3. Extend the arm—if 10 degrees or more of hyperextension at the elbow
Score:
1 point left
1 point right
4. Extend the leg—if 10 degrees or more of hyperextension at the knee
Score:
1 point left
1 point right
5. Flex at the waist—if you are able to touch your palms to the floor score:
1 point