The effect of two exercise protocols on lumbar spine sagittal range of motion

Current research has shown that exercise induces an increase in spinal range of motion (ROM) which is primarily due to spinal creep. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the cause of spinal creep; some believe it is due to the warm up effect of exercise while others believe it is the result of the position of the lumbar spine during the exercise.

The aim of this prospective study is to investigate first whether a change in lumbar spine ROM is seen following exercise and second whether a greater change in ROM is seen following a fatiguing protocol in a seated position or in an upright position.

Fifteen healthy individuals aged between 18 and 35 years volunteered to participate in the study. Range of motion was assessed with an electro-goniometer prior to and following two exercise tests which lasted for a period of nine minutes each. Submaximal protocols for the treadmill and bicycle were used.

No significant change in lumbar spine ROM was detected following the bicycle test (p=0.301) or the treadmill test (p=0.132) implying that the warm up effect of exercise has little impact on lumbar spine ROM. Likewise, no significant difference was seen in the changes following exercise on the bicycle and the treadmill, implying that position also has little effect on ROM.

The findings of this study contradict those of previous research where an increase in lumbar spine ROM was seen following exercise. Further research using a large scale, heterogeneous cohort is needed to further determine the effects of exercise on lumbar spine ROM.