ForceDecks Test: Athletic Shoulder (ASH) Test Protocol

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) Test  (Ashworth, Hogben, Singh, Tulloch, Cohen, 2018) is a novel test used to monitor upper body performance, neuromuscular fatigue and readiness, and more specifically an athlete’s ability to transfer force across the shoulder girdle.  The ASH Test was developed by Ben Ashworth (you can follow Ben on Twitter and Instagram).  


The ASH Test evaluates shoulder strength in three different positions (" I", "Y" and "T"), each from the prone lying position:

I 
POSITION
(arm extended above head)
Y
POSITION  
(arm extended at a 45° angle)
T
POSITION  
(arm extended to the side)

The ForceDecks Jump application (included with all ForceDecks software) has been designed to run multiple test types in one recording. This makes it ideal for recording the Athletic Shoulder (ASH) Test. 


ForceDecks Jump Protocol:

Create and apply a test sequence selecting the following test types:

  • Shoulder ISO - I
  • Shoulder ISO - Y
  • Shoulder ISO - T
Starting Position
  • Prone lying
  • Forehead on 4cm foam block
  • Active arm extended (elbow straight) with hand resting on centre of ForceDeck
  • Inactive arm held by side (I position) or behind back (Y & T positions)
  • Feet hip width apart
Protocol
  1. Start testing - Click the 'Play' button.
  2. Zero plates - Ensure nothing is touching the plates and select 'Weigh Start'.
  3. Assume starting position - Ask the individual to assume the starting position on the plate.
  4. Stabilise individual - Instruct the individual to remain completely still, for 2-3 seconds before the first rep and 20 seconds between each rep.
  5. Perform Shoulder ISO - I test - Instruct the individual to: 
    1. Keep their feet hip width apart, pelvis level, and elbow straight as possible at all times.
    2. Contract as hard and as fast as possible; and
    3. Hold at maximum force output for a minimum of 2 seconds; then
    4. Relax after the contraction; then
    5. Assume starting position again.
  6. Repeat - Repeat step 5 for desired number of reps.
  7. Perform next tests - Repeat steps 3-6 for Y and T positions.
  8. Stop recording - Click 'Stop' 
  9. Review - Review that reps and test types have been detected correctly. If required you can manually correct the test type. 
  10. Save - Click 'Save"
Reps 1 - 20 reps (3 per position is typical)
Default Instant Results Performance Results
  • Net Peak Force [N]
  • Force @ 100ms [N]
  • Force @ 150ms [N]
  • Force @ 200ms [N]