Normative Values for Active Lumbar Range of Motion in Children and Confounding Factors that Affects the Active Lumbar Range of Motion

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish normative values for active lumbar movement in children five, seven, nine, and 11 years of age and to find the confounding factors that affect the lumbar range.Method: End range active flexion, extension, and right-and left-side bending of the lumbar spine were measured for 400 normally developing children (200 girls, 200 boys) using dual inclinometric technique. Means were determined for each motion by age and sex. Group relationships were explored. Results:Normative values for lumbar spine cardinal plane movements were identified. Reduced lumbar movement was found in the 11-year-old group compared with the 5-year-old group in both girls and boys. Flexibility levels were defined using percentiles as poor ( <25 th Conclusion:Normative data for cardinal plane movements of the lumbar spine provide therapists with a baseline for assessing spinal mobility of children of these ages.

Motor development in the first year of life versus trunk rotation angle, lumbo-pelvic-hip complex mobility and joint hypermobility in children aged 3-9

“…Rotational movements of this section are especially important for locomotion, and their limitation or asymmetry may have negative consequences and may cause undesirable compensation in remote body parts [29,30]. There are publications discussing a study of the range of spinal motion in children, including range of rotation [7,31,32]. Rotational movements occur in numerous activities, so their thorough examination is highly important while working with patients.…”