lumbar, lumbar spine, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, ortho, protect spine, protective, spine, trunk musculature

Purpose

Used to assess the ability of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems to respond and protect the spine from quick and sustained external forces.

Technique

Patient positioned in standing.

Clinician asks the patient to stand with one foot forward and the other foot back.

Clinician stands on the side of the forward foot and asks the patient to fold her arms in front of her chest.

Clinician asks the patient to resist wherever the Clinician moves her. The Clinician then applies quick AP and PA stress to both shoulders and observes the patient’s ability to stabilize her spine.

Clinician then asks the patient to hold her position and applies a 5-8 sec stress to the shoulder and observes the patient’s ability to stabilize her spine.

Clinician then asks the patient to bring the other leg forward, moves to the other side, and repeats the testing.

Positive

Patient is unable to hold position against the quick and/or sustained external stress.

Interpretation

Patient’s musculoskeletal and/or neuromuscular systems are unable to protect the patient’s spine.

Related videos:

1. Lumbar Shear Test
2. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (flexion)
3. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (side bending)
4. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (rotation)
5. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (extension)