Muscular Strength in College Students

Theo Jesberger

Dr. Cone

Assessment Project

November 4, 2015

1. To measure muscular strength in college students using 1 of the 3 main power exercises

(Squat, Deadlift, and Bench press). This assessment will focus on deadlifts.

2. The assessment is designed for male college students of all grade levels who exercise on

a daily basis.

3. The rating scale will be used to provide feedback to students on their overall strength

levels. The scale can be used as a motivational tool to increase students’ strength levels.

4. Deadlift: Subjects should have their head up. Their back should remain straight at all

times and never curve. This is very important because almost all injuries related to

deadlifts can be attributed to bad form. The subject will start behind the bar with their

knees bent, and grab the bar however they feel comfortable (usually wider than shoulder

width). They will begin by pulling the weight up using their legs and lower back, again

ensuring that the spine doesn’t curve (weight belts may be used). Once the weight is

lifted the subject’s spine should be straight and perpendicular to the floor. This ensures

proper form and dramatically reduces the chance of a lower back injury. If the subject

completes these steps correctly it counts as 1 rep. 5. The rating scale has 6 different levels of performance, ranging from 0-5. Each rating

will represent a specific performance level, taking in to consideration proper form, total

weight being lifted, and the amount lifted over/under their body weight (ex; half their

body weight, double their body weight, etc.). A score of “0” indicates no deadlift was

performed or the subjects form was incorrect. A “1” represents the subject could only

deadlift 50% of their body weight. A “2” means that subject could deadlift between 25-

49% of their body weight. A “3” represents the subject could deadlift their body weight.

“4” shows the subject could deadlift an additional 25% of their body weight. Lastly, “5”

indicates the subject was able to deadlift an additional 50+% of their body weight while

still maintaining proper form.

6. The test must be administered in a gym or fitness facility where there is ample room to

deadlift and administer the test. The only equipment needed is an Olympic size bar and

weight plates totaling the weight the subject will attempt to lift. Total time for the test

should take about 20 minutes, with a standard deviation of ±10 minutes. The subject

will be allotted ample time to stretch and warm up however they chose. The subject is

also given permission to deadlift no more than 4 warm up sets and the weight must be

75% or less the total weight they will attempt.

7. A passing grade (3 or better) requires the subject to deadlift their body weight, a higher

percentage lifted over their body weight will result in a high score. For example, if a

subject weighs 150 pounds and they deadlift 150 pounds they receive a passing grade of

3. If that same person deadlifts 225 pounds, which is 50% more than their body weight

they receive an exceptional grade of 5. The evaluation will be summative as only one test will be administered. The results would show muscular strength in the subject’s legs and lower back in relation to their body weight.

Blank rating scale included after reference page.

References: This website is a helpful tool to ensure the subject maintains proper form.

Website:

"The Deadlift – How to Assess Lifter Readiness :: The Consummate Dabbler." The

Consummate Dabbler. The Consummate Dabbler, 5 July 2015. Web. 14 Nov. 2015. Name: ______Date: ______Class Level: ______Workout: ______The Purpose of the scale is to provide feedback on the subject’s current lower back and leg strength.

Directions: Allow to subject to warm up and stretch however they feel comfortable. The subject may perform no more than 4 sets of deadlifts before attempting their one rep max at no more than 75% of the 1RM. Once the subject is ready, place the appropriate amount of weight on the bar (they will choose the weight they would like to attempt). If the subject performs the deadlift while maintaining proper form, mark the appropriate score and provide an assessment. If incorrect form is used the subject receives a score of “0”.

Percent of No deadlift 50% less 25-49% less Body weight Additional Additional body weight: performed body weight body weight 25-49% of 50%+ of body body weight weight Score: 0 1 2 3 4 5

Assessment/Comments: ______

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