§ 01
Functional Movement
Clinical fitness assessment

Dead Hang

Assess grip strength endurance and shoulder stability.

Equipment

Pull-up bar at a height where the client can hang with feet off the ground.

The protocol
  1. 01Client grips the bar with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  2. 02Lift feet off the ground so the body hangs freely with arms fully extended.
  3. 03Start the timer when feet leave the ground.
  4. 04The client hangs as long as possible.
  5. 05Stop the timer when they release the bar or feet touch the ground.
  6. 06Record time in seconds.
What to watch for
  • Excessive swinging — body should remain relatively still.
  • Bending the elbows (partial hang) — arms should be fully extended.
  • Using a mixed grip unless specified — default to overhand.
  • Ensure the bar is secure and can support the client's weight.
How to read the result

There is no published normative standard for Dead Hang that we would stand behind, so we do not publish one. Read it against the same client’s own earlier results instead: the direction and size of their change over time is the result.

Run it with GainPT

Run this test with branded client reports.

GainPT scores Dead Hang against published normative data and turns it into a clean, GainPT-branded PDF your client keeps. All 47 clinical tests, unlimited retests — free to start, no card required.