The effect of test position on lumbar spine position sense

Repeated-measures experimental design.

The purpose of this study was to compare lumbar spine position sense in 3 test positions (standing, sitting, and 4-point kneeling [FPK]) to determine if position sense is affected by test position.

Several recent studies have tested position sense in the spine. There has, however, been no consistency in the testing methods or test positions used in these studies.

Seventy asymptomatic males (range, 20-51 years) volunteered for testing. Active lumbar spine repositioning accuracy and precision was tested 3-dimensionally in 3 test positions (standing, sitting, and FPK) and under 2 conditions (eyes open and blindfolded), using the neutral spine posture as the initial reference position.

Both the accuracy and precision of lumbar spine repositioning was found to be significantly affected by test position. Repositioning errors (reflective of accuracy) were significantly larger in FPK than in both sitting and standing, and significantly larger in sitting than in standing, under both eyes-open and blindfolded conditions. Precision of repositioning was significantly less in the FPK position as compared to the standing position.

The results of this study suggest that test position has a significant effect on the acuity of lumbar spine position sense and should be considered when examining the current literature on spine proprioception.