The Bunkie Test is a functional performance battery involving five plank-style test positions performed bilaterally. Research has reported descriptive data for healthy adults and describes the test as a way to assess aspects of core muscular endurance and line-based stability.
Bunkie bench, box or step of standard height
Mat
Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
Optional Measurz AR measurement for bench height and setup
Optional inclinometer for body alignment
Measurz platform for side, position, time, symptoms and comparison
The five positions are commonly performed bilaterally and may include anterior, posterior, lateral, medial and rotational line variations. The client holds each position for time until form failure.
Record hold time for each position and side. Compare:
Left versus right
Line-to-line differences
Baseline versus retest
Symptom response
Compensation patterns
A study of 112 healthy adults reported descriptive data for the Bunkie Test and noted that existing performance measures had previously relied heavily on clinical recommendations.
Many field protocols use 20–40 seconds as a practical target per position, with some advanced clients progressing toward 40+ seconds. Use internal benchmarks and side-to-side comparison rather than rigid cut-offs.
Evidence is still developing. The Bunkie Test may be useful as a field battery, but exact interpretation depends on position, protocol, bench height and stopping criteria.
Inconsistent bench height, poor alignment, hip drop, shoulder compensation, comparing modified versions and not recording symptoms.
Record position, side, time, bench height, symptoms, compensations and retest date. Use AR measurement for setup and stopwatch for timing.
Brumitt, J., Matheson, J. W., Meira, E. P., & others. (2015). The Bunkie test: Descriptive data for a novel test of core muscular endurance. Rehabilitation Research and Practice.
Cronin, J., et al. (2019). Assessment and application of the Bunkie test in college students. Physical Therapy in Sport.
