The range of motion of the lumbar spine was mesured in 108 healthy Korean subjects by plurimeter techniques of standardization of the meaurement of range of motion of the lumbar spine. The results were as follows; 1) The average ranges of motion of the lumbar spine in healthy Korean adults are 23.0±5.9⁗ in extension, 52.5±8.9⁗ in flexion, 36.1±5.7⁗ left bending, 36.6±5.9⁗ in right bending, 34.1±4.8⁗ in left rotation and 33.5±4.6⁗ in right rotation. 2) The range of motion of the lumbar spine was significantly correlated with increasing age (P<0.001). 3) The interobserver reliability was substantial for the six measurements taken; coefficients ranged form+0.69 to +0.81 (P<0.001). 4) The plurimeter technique may prove useful to the clinician as an improved method for assessing the lumbar spine. |