ROM Thoracic And Lumbar Spine

Question 0

ROM: lumbar flexion

Answer 0

Testing position: standing
Stabilization: at pelvis to prevent anterior pelvic tilt
Testing motion: bend forward as far as possible without flexing knees
Tape measure:
-mark PSISs and then mark a point that is midway between these two marks
-mark a point on the l-spine that is 15 cm above the iliac spine mark
-align tape measure between these two points
-take a measurement in upright standing and then measure again after pt flexes forward

Question 1

ROM: thoracic and lumbar spine flexion

Answer 1

AROM: 0-80 degrees
Testing position: standing
Stabilization: at pelvis to prevent anterior pelvic tilt
Testing motion: bend forward with arms relaxed
Tape measure:
-mark C7 and S2
-measure distance in standing upright
-hold tape in place as pt flexes forward
-measure distance at end range
-record difference in measurements 
4in or 10cm normal

Question 2

ROM: thoracic and lumbar extension

Answer 2

AROM: 0-20 to 30 degrees
Testing position: standing
Stabilization: at pelvis to prevent posterior pelvic tilt
Testing motion: extend spine to point of posterior pelvic tilt
Tape measure:
-mark C7 and S2
-align tape measure with two marks
-measure before and after extension

Question 3

ROM: lumbar extension

Answer 3

Testing position: standing
Stabilization: at pelvis to prevent PPT
Testing motion: extend spine as far as possible
Tape measure:
-mark PSISs and then mark a point that is midway between these two marks
-mark a point on the l-spine that is 15cm above the iliac spine mark
-align tape measure between these two points
-take a measurement in upright standing and then measure again after pt extends backwards

Question 4

ROM: thoracic and lumbar lateral flexion

Answer 4

AROM: 0-35 degrees
Testing position: standing
Stabilization: at pelvis to prevent lateral tilting
Testing motion: bend trunk to one side while keeping arms in relaxed position at sides of body
Alignment:
Axis- S2 spinous process
Prox arm- perpendicular to ground
Distal arm- posterior aspect of C7

Question 5

ROM: thoracic and lumbar rotation

Answer 5

AROM: 0-45 degrees
Testing position: sitting with feet on floor to stabilize pelvis, preferably without back support, cross arms in front of body
Stabilization: at pelvis to prevent rotation
Testing motion: turn body to one side as far as possible
Alignment:
Axis- over cranial aspect of head
Prox arm- parallel to imaginary line between the two tubercles of the iliac crests
Distal arm- align with imaginary line between two acromial processes