Normative values for active lumbar range of motion in children.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to establish normative values for active lumbar movement in children five, seven, nine, and 11 years of age. METHODS End range active flexion, extension, and right- and left-side bending and rotation of the lumbar spine were measured for 225 normally developing children (116 girls, 109 boys) using the Back Range of Motion (BROM II) device. Means were determined for each motion by age and sex. Group relationships were explored. RESULTS Normative values for lumbar spine cardinal plane movements were identified. Reduced lumbar movement was found in the 11-year-old group compared with the five-year-old group in active lumbar flexion in girls and in active lumbar side bending and rotation in both girls and boys. CONCLUSION Normative data for cardinal plane movements of the lumbar spine provide therapists with a baseline for assessing spinal mobility of children of these ages.