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. 2024;37(6):1551-1559.
doi: 10.3233/BMR-230404.

Differences in spinal axial rotation angles during the lumbar-locked rotation test between hyper and normal thoracic rotation groups: A cross-sectional study

Sun-Shil Shin, Won-Gyu Yoo

Differences in spinal axial rotation angles during the lumbar-locked rotation test between hyper and normal thoracic rotation groups: A cross-sectional study

Sun-Shil Shin et al. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2024.

Abstract

Background: Trunk rotation is important in many sporting activities The thoracic spine has reciprocal relationships with the lumbar and pelvic spines, such that reduced flexibility in the lumbar or thoracic spine can lead to abnormal patterns of trunk movement and pain. However, few studies have investigated the relative trunk rotation mobilities of the thorax, lumbar, and pelvis.

Objective: To compare thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic rotation angles during the lumbar-locked rotation test between hyper and normal thoracic rotation groups.

Methods: Thirty-two young, active participants were enrolled in this study. After the attachment of inertial measurement units at the T1, T7, T12, L3, and S2 levels, the participants were required to stand in a comfortable upright posture for 5 s to allow postural measurements before performing the lumbar-locked rotation test. The participants were then divided into hyper thoracic rotation and normal thoracic rotation groups based on T1 angle measurements obtained during the lumbar-locked rotation test.

Results: The hyper thoracic rotation group had significantly higher thoracic rotation angles on both the right (p< 0.05) and left (p< 0.05) sides compared with the normal thoracic rotation group. Furthermore, we observed flat lumbar lordosis in the hyper thoracic rotation group compared with the normal thoracic rotation group, particularly in the lower lumbar region in standing posture.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that evaluations of thoracic mobility should consider relative thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic motions, rather than the T1 angle alone. This study provides a basis for health professionals to evaluate movement dysfunctions associated with thoracic hypermobility.

Keywords: Flat lumbar; lumbar-locked rotation test; relative movement; thoracic hypermobility.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Lumbar-locked rotation test A) start position, B) end position.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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