What test is recommended for evaluating the flexibility of the arms and shoulders?

The back scratch test is specifically designed to evaluate the flexibility of the arms and shoulders. This test involves reaching one arm over the shoulder and down the back while simultaneously reaching the opposite hand up the back to see if the fingers can touch or overlap. It effectively assesses the range of motion in the shoulder joints and the flexibility of the upper body musculature.

In contrast, the sit-and-reach test primarily measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles rather than the arms and shoulders. The bent-over row test is a strength-training exercise aimed at developing back and arm muscles, which doesn't focus on flexibility. The triceps press-down test measures strength in the triceps rather than flexibility in the shoulders or arms. Thus, the back scratch test is the most appropriate choice for assessing upper body flexibility.