Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
The prevalence and severity of lumbar spine motion impairment in normal subjects
Michael R Striplin1, Dee Jay Beach
1Colorado Occupational Medicine Physicians, P.C., Thornton, CO 80229, USA. mrs@comp-pc.com
Study Design:
Crosssectional.
Objective:
To assess the prevalence and severity of lumbar spine motion impairment in normal subjects.
Summary Of Background Data:
A prior study of cervical and lumbar spine impairment indicated that a high percentage of normal subjects had impairment.
Methods:
A total of 579 normal subjects were assessed for lumbar spine motion impairment using 3 editions (Third Edition Revised, Fourth Edition, and Fifth Edition) of the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides).
Results:
Eighty percent to 86% of normal subjects had impairment due to loss of lumbar motion.
Conclusions:
A high percentage of normal subjects will have lumbar spine impairment due to loss of lumbar motion using the AMA Guides.
