The influence of age and gender on lumbar spine sagittal plane range of motion : a study of 1126 healthy subjects

Inclinometers have been recommended for the measurement of lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) in the assessment of disability. Range of motion thresholds that determine impairment ratings have been established without regard to age and gender or variances of the measures. This investigation determined the effect of gender and age on lumbar spine sagittal plane ROM in 1126 healthy male and female volunteers. Results indicate that distinct differences exist between men an women in flexion angle and extension angle, whereas little difference exists between genders for total lumbar sagittal ROM