Lumbar Range of Motion Using the Wolfson Modified Schober Test.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical science
• Gerontology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Lumbar range of motion (ROM) is essential for spinal function.
• Age and sex are known factors influencing lumbar ROM.
• Understanding variations in lumbar ROM is crucial for assessing spinal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate age-related variations in lumbar ROM in healthy adults.
• To determine the influence of sex, height, weight, and BMI on lumbar ROM.
• To identify predictors of lumbar ROM across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• 208 healthy adults (106 men, 102 women) were divided into age groups (20s-60s+).
• Lumbar ROM (flexion, extension, total) was measured using the Wolfson modified Schober test.
• Linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of lumbar ROM.

Main Results:

• A progressive decline in lumbar flexion and total ROM was observed with increasing age.
• Age was identified as the primary predictor of lumbar flexion.
• Weight and BMI did not significantly affect lumbar ROM; extension measurements showed no clear age-related pattern.

Conclusions:

• Age-related changes in lumbar ROM are consistent with physiological spinal aging.
• Age influences lumbar ROM more significantly than sex, height, or weight.
• Lumbar ROM, especially flexion, decreases with age, while extension remains less affected.