journal article·2025-03-04Open access

Criterion-Related Validity and Reliability of the Front Plank Test in Adults: The ADULT-FIT Project

Ángela Rodríguez-Perea, Pedro Aragón-Aragón, Magdalena Cuenca-García, Carolina Cruz-León, Maximiliano Torres-Banduc, Sandra Sánchez-Parente, José Castro-Piñero

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 5

Abstract

Background: the validity and reliability of the front plank test (FPT) have been studied in young adults but not in adults aged 34 to 60 years. The aim of this study was to analyze the criterion-related validity and reliability of the front plank test (FPT) for evaluating trunk musculature in adults according to sex and age groups. Methods: a repeated measures design was used to study the reliability of the FPT. A total of 84 adults aged 18–62 years performed trunk muscular force tests and the FPT. Criterion-related validity was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Reliability was examined by ICC, error measurements, and Bland–Altman analysis across sex and age groups. Results: significant differences in the activation of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles were found compared with the erector spinae and multifidus muscles (p < 0.001). No correlations were found between FPT time and physical activity or rate of perceived exertion at the end (p > 0.05). Low and moderate correlations were found with body fat percentage, trunk fat mass percentage, and external oblique, regardless of sex and age groups (p < 0.05). Extremely high reliability was found regardless of sex and age groups (ICC > 0.98), with low error measurements (RMSE = 11.93–18.73; %CV = 4.91–6.33; SEE = 11.45–16.84). MDC90 values indicated no real change between T1 and T2. Conclusion: FPT is a valid and reliable test for assessing trunk musculature in adults regardless of sex and age groups.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation · Muscle activation and electromyography studies · Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Physical and Sport Education, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, University of León, 24007 León, Spain

Strength & Conditioning Laboratory, CTS-642 Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain

GALENO Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11519 Cadiz, Spain

Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain

Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Viña del Mar 2531098, Chile

Funding

National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2017–2020 · Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness in the 2017 call for R&D Projects of the State Program for Research, Development and Innovation Targeting the Challenges of the Company · National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2013–2016

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