Comparison of lumbar range of motion using three measurement devices in patients with chronic low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A correlational design was used to compare the lumbar spine's total sagittal range of motion (ROM) within a chronic low back pain patient population (n = 42) using three different measurement systems.

OBJECTIVES: To compare, within a back pain patient population, the relationship of ROM measurements obtained from a motion analysis system (SPINETRAK), a lumbar extension rehabilitation device (MedX), and liquid inclinometers.

METHODS: Total lumbar sagittal ROM was determined with each device in each subject as part of patients' standard clinical evaluation.

RESULTS: Results indicated that the motion analysis system is significantly correlated with the liquid inclinometers and mildly correlated with the MedX. Inclinometer and MedX ROM measurements are also significantly correlated. To assess individual differences, dependent t tests were performed. Results indicated that the SPINETRAK yielded significantly lower ROM than the inclinometer or the MedX. The MedX and inclinometer measures did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSIONS: This report shows that, depending on the device and procedures used, the lumbar sagittal ROM within a chronic low back pain population vary significantly.