XXXX spine extension mobility in young adults: influence of subject position and spinal curvature.

@entity1514 @entity1513 @entity2531
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To examine extension mobility of the thoracic spine in young, asymptomatic adults, with particular reference to the influence of subject position and magnitude of the @entity1513 . BACKGROUND: Impairment of thoracic extension motion is commonly associated with mechanical @entity2531 in this region of the spine. Knowledge of normal thoracic mobility and the factors that may influence this motion is important in the evaluation and management of @entity2531 . METHODS: In 40 asymptomatic adults, the total and regional thoracic extension range of motion was measured using 2-dimensional photographic image analysis. Extension mobility was measured in standing, sitting, prone, and 4-point kneeling. The association between the magnitude of the @entity1513 and extension mobility was also examined. RESULTS: When measured from the habitual standing position, the mean range of flexion was 11.5   (3.7  ) and mean extension range was 8.7   (3.7  ). @entity1514 extension was significantly greater in unloaded positions compared to loaded positions (P<.001). The standing @entity1513 angle was significantly correlated with the end range thoracic extension angle in all positions (r = 0.63-0.79, P<.001). There was a poor correlation between the @entity1513 angle and thoracic extension range of motion in all positions (r = 0.11-0.34, P>.06). CONCLUSION: When measured from the habitual standing position, thoracic extension range of motion in young individuals is small and poorly correlated with the magnitude of the standing @entity1513 . Unloaded positions (4-point kneeling and prone), compared to positions that load the spine (standing and sitting), appear to promote a greater range of thoracic extension motion.
