A modified Kraus-Weber test that includes: -

1) Hip Flexors - The legs are held at an angle of about 30 degrees pressure is gently applied to the legs with the person laying on their back with their hands behind their head. If the abdominal muscles and hip flexors are strong enough as the legs are pushed down, the trunk will be lifted off the bed.

2) Abdominal & Hips Flexors - The legs and feet are held and the person sits up ten times with straight legs.

3) Abdominals -the same as (2) except this time the legs are bent and ten sit-ups are required.

4) Abdominal Obliques - Hands behind the head and the elbows bought across to the opposite knee and vice versa ten times.

5) Upper Back - Feet are held and the head and shoulders lifted off the ground as far as possible.

6) Lower Back - The person lies flat on their tummy hands crossed in front of their head keeping their legs straight and lifting them off the bed as far as possible.

7) Flexibility - Bending down to touch toes

8) Trunk Rotation - the ability to twist around side ways as far as possible.

9) Straight Leg Raising - Lifting legs to vertical, one at a time.

1) Assessment of ligaments of knee, instability and muscle strength of the muscles supporting the knee.

2) Knee bends: - Foot and heel of foot kept on floor and knee bent as far as possible - then straightening and bending, lifting the weight of the body 15 repeats on both knees whilst just keeping balance with the hands.

3) Going down on to haunches and waddling (duck waddle) across room (knees bent)

The above back and knee assessments are strenuous and give an excellent idea of the applicants fitness. Pulse rates or breathing rates do not increase much if the patient is fit but can greatly increase with low aerobic fitness.