Topend Sports Logo

NAPFA Pull-Up Test

The pull-up is a test of upper body strength. The following information describes the procedures as used in Singapore's National Physical Fitness Award Scheme (NAPFA). There are two versions of the test - full pull ups are performed by males aged over 15. Females and males aged 15 and under perform a modified inclined pull-up test.



test purpose: This test measures upper body strength and endurance.

equipment required: Horizontal overhead bar, at an adequate height so that the participants can hang from with arms fully extended and feet not touching the floor (see pull-up bars), or waist high bar for incline pull up test.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Measure and record the height of the bar. Perform a standard warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

Chin Up TestChin Up Test

procedure (full pull-up): Hang by your hands from an overhead bar, with either an overhand grip (palms facing away from body) or underhand grip (palms facing toward body). Pull yourself upwards till your chin reaches the bar, then lower your body again to a position with the arms fully extended. The feet must remain off the ground for the duration of the test.

procedure (incline pull-up): Grip a bar at that is about waist-high and hang below it. The arms should be straight, the torso and legs stiff and straight, with only your heels resting on the ground. Pull yourself towards the bar till your chest touches it, then lower yourself to the starting position. (Note, the specific details of this test has not been confirmed, though it is similar to the modified pull-up)

scoring: The maximum number of correctly completed pull-ups in half-a-minute is recorded.

advantages: the equipment readily available, and the test is easy and quick to perform.



Similar Tests

Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

Testing Extra

We have over 400 fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer.

 → How to Cite