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Overview

The plank is a core stability assessment that evaluates an athlete’s ability to maintain a static position with proper form. This movement is commonly used in athletic assessment and training as it provides valuable information about core strength, stability, and endurance.

Instructions

Front Plank: Start in a prone position with your forearms on the ground, elbows directly under your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. Engage your core muscles and hold this position while maintaining proper alignment. Keep your neck neutral and avoid letting your hips sag or rise. Side Plank: Start lying on your side with your legs stacked and your bottom forearm on the ground, elbow directly under your shoulder. Lift your hips off the ground so your body forms a straight line from your head to your feet. Keep your top arm extended upward or place it on your hip. Maintain this position while engaging your core and oblique muscles. Avoid letting your hips drop or rotating your torso.

Dimensions

Required inputs for processing:
  • None

Events

EventDescriptionColumn Name
Startthe start of the plank holdstart
Endthe end of the plank holdend

Discrete Metrics

MetricUnitsDescriptionColumn Name
SideN/ASide of plank (‘left’, ‘right’, or ‘front’)
DurationsecondsDuration of the plank hold
Average Pelvis Velocitym/sAverage velocity of pelvis during plank hold
Trunk Initial Angle SagittaldegreesInitial trunk angle in sagittal plane
Trunk Initial Angle FrontaldegreesInitial trunk angle in frontal plane

Notes

  • Kinematic data typically captured at 30-60 Hz for stability activities
  • Side is determined by shoulder abduction angles (threshold of 45 degrees)
  • Duration is capped at 10 seconds