It is difficult to estimate the range of motion(ROM) of the cervical and lumbar spine because the spinal region consists of multiple small, inaccessible segments unlike the simple extremity hinge joints. However Knowing the normal range of motion is important in evaluating the disability and the reposonse to treatment. Generally, normal ROM values represented by American Medical Association & American Academy Of Surgeons have been clinically used, but the age factor was not considered in those values. The purpose of this study was ⸁ to determine the normal values of cervical, lumbar ROM of healthy volunteers aged from 13 to 69 years by using gravity & magnetic goniometer; ⸂ to determine the age and gender differences on the ROM; ⸃ to examine the interrater and intrarater reliability of measurements; and ⸄ to compare our clinical measurements with the radiological measurements. Our measurement techniques demonstrated high correlation with the radiologic values with good interrater and intrarater reliabilities. All ROM values decreased significantly with age, however, gender was not a factor.
