Normative values for active lumbar range of motion in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Biomechanical analysis of the spine
• Child development and motor control

Background:

• Establishing normative data for pediatric spinal mobility is crucial for accurate clinical assessment.
• Understanding age-related changes in active lumbar movement informs therapeutic interventions.
• The Back Range of Motion (BROM II) device offers a reliable method for measuring spinal flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normative values for active lumbar spine movements in children aged 5, 7, 9, and 11 years.
• To provide a baseline for assessing spinal mobility in pediatric populations.
• To identify potential age- and sex-related differences in lumbar range of motion.

Main Methods:

• 225 typically developing children (116 girls, 109 boys) participated in the study.
• Active lumbar flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation were measured using the Back Range of Motion (BROM II) device.
• Mean values for each movement were calculated by age and sex, with group relationships explored.

Main Results:

• Normative values for lumbar spine cardinal plane movements were successfully established.
• A significant reduction in active lumbar flexion was observed in 11-year-old girls compared to 5-year-old girls.
• Reduced active lumbar side bending and rotation were noted in both boys and girls at age 11 compared to age 5.

Conclusions:

• The established normative data for lumbar spine movements serve as a valuable clinical reference for therapists.
• These findings highlight age-related changes in spinal mobility during childhood.
• The data can aid in the early identification of potential mobility impairments in children.