Test: Lumbar Extension - Active

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Background/Purpose

Extension is limited to 35 degrees in the lumbar spine.

Procedure

Subject is standing. Clinician places goniometers on T12 and the sacrum and zeroes them. The subject is instructed to extend backwards. The patient may place their hands in the small of their back to help with stabilization.
The values of the inclinometers are recorded and sacral inclination is subtracted from the T12 value. Lumbar motion 20 degrees or less is considered an impairment to ADLs.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Standing lumbar extension measurement.

Criteria

• Pain free
• >20 degrees

Measurement

20 degrees

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail