The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of the relationship of trunk-plus-arm length (reach) to leg length in the ability to perform the toe-touch test. Data were collected on 100 college women. Various anthropometric measurements, flexibility scores (Leighton llexometer), and toe-touch scores were obtained. Results indicate that the relationship of reach length to leg length is not an important factor in the performance of the toe-touch test for persons with average body builds, but that, for those with extreme body builds, a longer trunk-plus-arm (reach) measurement in relation to shorter legs gives an advantage in the performance of this test. THE ABILITY to touch the toes has been quite generally accepted as a "normal" accomplishment in physical examinations and in therapeutic exercise programs. The question as to whether this ability is "normal" for all ages and for all body builds has frequently arisen. The Kraus-Weber test ( l) has evoked considerable discussion. The sixth item of this test, the flexibility item requiring the fingertips to be held touching the floor for three seconds, has caused considerable controversy.Various comments have indicated that many individuals question the validity of a single standard on such a test for all body builds. Mathews, Shaw, and Bohnen (4) recently reported a study of the relationship of reaching height, standing height, and leg length to hip flexibility of college women. The Kraus-Weber and the Wells Sit and Reach tests, as well as flexibility measurement taken with the Leighton flexometer, were used to measure hip flexibility. Their results indicated that there was no significant relationship between the three tests of flexibility and the three anthropometric measures. They did not however, study the relationship between reaching length and leg length nor between weight and height. Purpose of the StudyIt was the purpose of this study to determine the importance of the relationship of trunk-plus-arm length (reach) to leg length and of weight to height in the ability to perform the toe-touch test. ProcedureThe data were obtained from 100 University of Washington women students enrolled in regular physical education activity classes. These women ranged 253

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