Edmund M. Kosmahl, PT, EdD

Department of Physical Therapy - University of Scranton

GONIOMETRY WEB SITE

THORACO-LUMBAR SPINE SIDEBENDING

|| Intro. || || Upper Ext. || || Lower Ext. || || Spine || || TMJ ||

NOTE: There are several methods for measuring the range of motion of the lumbar and thoracic spines. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages (no method is completely valid or reliable, and normal values are not well established for any method). The method illustrated here is a good compromise.

Test Position

Subject standing
Stabilize pelvis
Sidebend thoracic and lumbar spines

Normal Range (unilateral)

RIGHT:

20 - 29 yrs 37.6^o + or - 5.8^o
30 - 39 yrs 35.3^o + or - 6.5^o
40 - 49 yrs 27.1^o + or - 6.5^o
50 - 59 yrs 25.3^o + or - 6.2^o
60 - 69 yrs 20.2^o + or - 4.8^o
70 - 79 yrs 18.0^o + or - 4.7^o
(Fitzgerald, Wynveen, Rheault et al)

LEFT:

20 - 29 yrs 38.7^o + or - 5.7^o
30 - 39 yrs 36.5^o + or - 6.0^o
40 - 49 yrs 28.5^o + or - 5.2^o
50 - 59 yrs 26.8^o + or - 6.4^o
60 - 69 yrs 20.3^o + or - 5.3^o
70 - 79 yrs 18.9^o + or - 6.0^o
(Fitzgerald, Wynveen, Rheault et al)

25^o (American Medical Association)

Goniometer Alignment

Axis - S1 spinous process
Stationary arm - vertical
Moving arm - C7 spinous process

Normal End Feel

Capsular or ligamentous

|| Intro. || || Upper Ext. || || Lower Ext. || || Spine || || TMJ ||

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