Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part C: Assessing Medical-Fitness (LM:25-34)
Learning Module 32:
Core Muscle Fitness
Study the Learning Module and take the Quiz.
Learning Objective:
  • Properly conduct the Leg-Raise Test
  • Calculate the Core Muscle Fitness Score
The Leg-Raise Test for Core Muscle Fitness is a 2-minute AMRAP (as many reps as possible) during which your client tries to perform as many lying leg-raises as possible (to the best of their ability) until the time runs out.

The lying leg-raise is a core exercise that mainly targets the Rectus Abdominis and Psoas Major & Iliacus muscles (aka: Iliopsoas). ​
Know how to do a Leg-Raise.
​(Click the photo to watch the video on Youtube.)
​Leg-Raise Instructions:
  • Sit on the floor with your legs together and straight
  • Place your hands behind or lateral to your hips
  • Lay back into the supine position
  • Your hands may be either flat under the hips or to the side (whichever is more comfortable)
  • Start be hovering your feet just above the floor
  • Lift your legs by flexing your thighs while keeping your legs straight
  • Stop flexing your thighs when your legs are straight up, perpendicular to the floor
  • Return to the starting position by lower your legs
  • Complete when feet nearly reach the floor in the hovering position

Test Instructions:
  • Make sure the participant has a floor mat and plenty of space.
  • Demonstrate how to perform a leg-raise by doing several reps, but pausing to explain the body movement.
  • Have the participant perform a leg-raise to the best of his/her ability.
  • The participant should raise his/her legs only as high as it is comfortable for them and still be able to lower their legs in a controlled manner.
  • Explain that they should try to not touch the floor with their feet, but to get as close as possible.
  • Explain that if they do touch the floor or if they do not get "close enough" to the floor that they should continue with the next rep.
  • Explain that they can stop and rest if needed, but if they do, the clock keeps running.
  • Let the participant practice a few leg-raises as a warm-up.
  • Explain that you will start the clock when he/she is ready to start the test.

Test Protocol:
  • Stand or sit several feet away from the participant so that you can observe the complete leg-raise movement.
  • Confirm that the participant understands the leg-raise movement and the test procedure.
  • After the participant has warmed up, ask him/her to indicate when he/she is ready to begin.
  • Start a hand-held 2-minute timer when the participant begins doing his/her first leg-raise.
  • Count out loud each completed leg-raise (>30 degrees) at the peak position of their feet.
  • Observe the participant at all times and check their body movements.
  • Especially note the degree of flexion of their thighs and extension of their legs.
  • Also note the consistency of their feet getting to the low hovering position at the end of each rep.
  • Do not inform the participant how much time is remaining on the clock.
  • At the end of the last leg-raise at the 2-minute mark, say out loud: "Stop."
  • Record the total number of completed leg-raises during the 2-minute test.
  • Grade by degree of hip flexion: 90+ = A, 75-90 = B, 45-75 = C, 30-45 = D (< 30 = No Rep)

Scoring the Test Result:
  • Divide the total number of Leg-Raises by 60 and then multiply that number by 100.
  • Round off to the first decimal point.
  • Example: Total Reps = 43 leg-raises.   (43 / 60) x 100 = 71.7 (Raw Rep Score)
  • Grade the participants ability to perform the standard leg-raise:
  • --  A = Consistently raised their straight legs to the perpendicular (90 degrees or more) position and returned their feet to hover just above the floor.
  • --  B = More consistently raised their almost straight legs to the 75-90 degree position and usually returned their feet to hover fairly close to or lightly touch the floor.
  • --  C = More consistently raised their almost straight legs to the 45-75 degree position and returned their feet to hover well above or touching the floor.
  • --  D = More consistently raised their significantly bent legs to the 30-45 degree position and returned their feet to hover well above or touching the floor.
  • Adjust the participant's Raw Rep Score by their Grade to get their Core Fitness Score:
  • -- A: Raw Rep Score = Core Muscle Fitness Score (no deduction)
  • -- B: Raw Rep Score - 10% = Core Muscle Fitness Score (x0.90)
  • -- C: Raw Rep Score - 25% = Core Muscle Fitness Score (x0.75)
  • -- D: Raw Rep Score - 50% = Core Muscle Fitness Score (x0.50)
  • Example: 71.7 Raw Rep Score with a B Grade = 71.1 x 0.90 = 64.0 Core Muscle Fitness Score

Core Muscle Fitness Score Interpretation:​
  • A Core Muscle Fitness Score of 100 (or more) indicates a Very High Fitness Level in relation to the health benefit.
  • Scores above 100 are admirable, but they do not necessarily confer a health or longevity benefit.
  • Since the fitness test is sub-maximal, scores above 120 are not necessarily comparable.
  • A Core Muscle Fitness Score below 100 indicates "room for improvement," depending on the age of the participant.
Note:  An “average” fitness level among an unfit and unhealthy population that is at increased risk for sedentary-related chronic disease resulting in premature disability and death is not satisfactory. A score of 100+ is an appropriate goal for most otherwise healthy individuals.