03/25/2026
Here you see me performing the Biering-Sorensen Test, which is a clinical test used to examine and measure endurance of the low back musculature.
It’s quick and easy, needing only a GHD or a bench and some straps. Once the subject is set up, a timer is started to see how long he/she can maintain the upper body in a horizontal or neutral position. The test is capped at 4 minutes.
Normative data varies by age and gender across different studies, but clinically I like to see an ability to hold for at least 2 minutes.
Biering-Sorensen reports that holding less than 176 seconds predicts low back pain within the next year, whereas greater than 198 seconds predicts the absence of low back pain.
General trends suggest that lower hold times are correlated with increased likelihood of developing low back pain.
Curious how you stack up? Grab a buddy and give it a go!
