Measurement of "regional" lumbar sagittal mobility

Lumbar sagittal mobility is generally recorded as the overall movement occurring throughout the lumbar spine, in flexion and extension. However, increased information concerning mechanical function will be afforded if the mobility is expressed as the range separately available in the upper and lower regions of the lumbar spine. A simple, noninvasive and reliable technique is described which measures sagittal mobility available from T12 to L4, and from L4 to S1. It uses a modified draftsmans flexicurve and is suitable for use in clinical and field environments. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987;9(4):166-169.