During a half sit-up test, what is the recommended position for the client’s hands?

The recommended position for the client’s hands during a half sit-up test is resting on the thighs. This position helps to stabilize the body and ensure that the movement focuses primarily on the abdominal muscles. With the hands placed on the thighs, the client can easily slide their hands along their legs, providing a natural range of motion during the sit-up while minimizing the use of momentum from the arms. This emphasis on controlled movement is essential for accurately assessing core strength and endurance, which is the goal of the half sit-up test.

Other positions, such as placing hands over the head, on the chest, or on the floor, could introduce unnecessary strain or make the exercise less effective. For example, hands over the head can lead to an increased risk of back strain and may engage the shoulders more than the core, while hands on the floor may compromise stability and affect performance.