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The Davies Test is an agility and mobility assessment where the participant holds a plank position and lifts one hand off the floor, attempting to touch the opposite hand as many times as possible in 15 seconds.
I’ve used the Davies Test on multiple occasions to test my client’s shoulder stability and agility. As a NASM certified personal trainer with over 12 years of experience working with people of all ages and levels, here is my thorough overview of the Davies Test as used by NASM in their programs.
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Table of Contents
Overview of the NASM Davies Test
The Davies test is an assessment used to evaluate an individual’s upper body agility and stabilizations in the push-up movement pattern. This test focuses on assessing an individual’s overall strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control. The Davies consists of one evaluation where the client holds a push-up position and attempts to lift one hand off the ground using a series of dynamic movements.
This test is also known as the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.
While this is a test of shoulder stability, NASM states in their Personal Training Certification that this test may not be suitable for some clients who have poor mobility, so exercise caution when using it.
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Purpose and Benefits of the Davies Test for NASM Clients
The Davies Test assesses the stability and agility of the upper body. By evaluating the strength and control of the scapular muscles, the Davies Test provides valuable information for athletes and fitness enthusiasts regarding their shoulder stability and potential risk of injury during sports or physical activities.
Additionally, incorporating the Davies Test into training programs can help athletes identify any muscular imbalances or weaknesses that may increase their risk of injury.
By addressing these imbalances through targeted exercises, athletes can improve their overall performance and reduce the likelihood of injuries. Be sure you have a firm grasp of the Davies test during your NASM studying.
Whether you’re a strength coach, corrective exercise specialist, or becoming a personal trainer, if you can reduce injuries in your clients, you have the potential to help your clients more.
Setup and Equipment Required for the Davies Test
Place two pieces of tape on the floor spaced apart by 36 inches. Set a 15 second timer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the NASM Davies Test
- The person doing the test gets into the top of the push-up position with each hand on the piece of tape.
- When the timer goes off they have 15 seconds to lift one hand off the ground and touch the opposite hand. Repeat on both sides and then do two more trials.
- Record the number of hand touches on each trial.
- Take an average of the three tests.
Scoring and Interpretation of Results
NASM does not give you a definitive chart measuring standards for the Davies Test, so let’s look at some data.
In a 2015 study of college athletes, the average number of touches among male athletes was 25 on average during the 15 seconds. For female athletes that number drops to around 23.
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Another 2014 study tested sedentary healthy individuals, athletes, and men and women with shoulder impingement. The sedentary men scored an average of 23 and the women 25, while the male athletes scored 28 and the female athletes 25.
The men with shoulder impingement scored 10 and the women 12.
Based on these two studies we can gauge that if you score above 23, you’re doing well.
One of the nice things about the Davies Test is the fact that you can easily repeat it over and over, making it a quick and simple way to test your athlete’s upper body agility performance.
Variations and Alternatives to the Davies Test that NASM Recommends
When it comes to conducting a comprehensive evaluation alongside the Davies Test, there are several alternative tests and assessments that can be considered.
One variation to the Davies Test is for people who can’t complete a full push-up. In this case, you can start in the push-ups position with your knees on the ground. In most tests, NASM also recommends this option for female athletes.
NASM also uses the Shark Skill Test as a good assessment when it comes to lower body agility.
Incorporating the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can also be beneficial as it evaluates fundamental movement patterns and identifies any limitations or asymmetries that may impact performance.
Other tests that become part of the NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT) assessment, focus on functional movement patterns, muscular imbalances, and postural deviations. These tests include the NASM overhead squat assessment, single-leg squat assessment, bench press and squat strength tests.
Assessments provide valuable insights into an individual’s specific strengths and weaknesses, allowing for a more tailored training program.
Conclusion
The Davies Test is a functional testing method used by NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) to assess closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability. This test focuses on evaluating the strength and stability of the shoulders and scapular muscles. It involves performing a series of dynamic movements while in a push-up plank position, testing shoulder stability to assess the individual’s ability to control and maintain proper alignment in the upper body.
The personal trainer job description requires that you assess clients, so you can make determinations over how to program workouts for them. The Davies Test is one of the best options because it’s easy to set-up and re-test as your client progresses in strength, stability, and power.
References
- Snyder, John. “Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.” John Snyder, DPT, 1 Jan. 2019, johnsnyderdpt.com/for-clinicians/functional-testing/closed-kinetic-chain-upper-extremity-stability-test/.
- Taylor, J. B., Wright, A. A., Smoliga, J. M., DePew, J. T., & Hegedus, E. J. (2016). Upper-Extremity Physical-Performance Tests in College Athletes. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 25(2), 146–154. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2014-0296
- Tucci, H. T., Martins, J., Sposito, G.deC., Camarini, P. M., & de Oliveira, A. S. (2014). Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test (CKCUES test): a reliability study in persons with and without shoulder impingement syndrome. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 15, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-1
- Clark, M. A., Lucett, S. C., Mcgill, E., Montel, I., & Sutton, B. (2018). NASM essentials of personal fitness training. Burlington Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Tyler Read
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