Abstract:
This study focuses on the validity, reliability, and norm-referenced evaluation of
the Isosceles Triangle Test as a tool to assess lateral hip joint flexibility and side
splits performance. The research involves three separate groups: novice Service
Physical Education (PE) participants and varsity athletes from a state university in
Marawi City, and a norm-reference standards development group comprising
college students from a state university in Butuan City. For the validity and
reliability study, data were collected from 21 novice Service PE participants and 29
varsity athletes, selected through purposive sampling technique, including age,
sex, and Isosceles Triangle Test performance. The test is conducted with two trials,
and the best score achieved in terms of lateral split angle is recorded. For the
development of norm-referenced standards, a large-scale testing was carried out
with 350 females and 135 male first-year college students, selected using complete
enumeration sampling within the defined population, from a university in Butuan
City, Philippines, aged 18 to 27 years old. The Independent Samples T-Test (t[48]=
-3.509, p<0.001, d= -1.005) reveal a significant difference in Best Scores between the
two groups, confirming the test’s known-group validity. Pearson's correlation
analysis demonstrates good consistency over time. Moreover, the norm-referenced
evaluation tables for female and male first-year college students were developed
and presented. Caution is advised when using the norms for different populations,
as they are based on specific demographics. The Isosceles Triangle Test proves to
be a valid and reliable tool for assessing lateral hip joint flexibility, and the
provided norms serve as valuable reference points for interpreting individual
performance in the test. However, contextual considerations and potential
limitations should be carefully evaluated when applying the norms in diverse
settings.
