ROTATION ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL
Thoracic Spine Mobility
Objective: To assess bilateral mobility of the thoracic spine. §§ Ask the client to perform a few repetitions in each
Lumbar spine rotation is considered insignificant, as it only direction, slowly and with control.
offers approximately 15 degrees of rotation.
Observation:
Equipment: ÎÎ Observe any bilateral discrepancies between the
ÎÎ Chair rotations in each direction.
ÎÎ Squeezable ball or block General interpretations:
ÎÎ 48-inch (1.2-m) dowel ÎÎ Identify the origin(s) of movement limitation or
compensation. As an individual rotates, the facet joints
Instructions:
of each vertebra experience shearing forces against
ÎÎ Briefly discuss the protocol so the client understands each other. One way to reduce this force and promote
what is required. greater movement is to laterally flex the trunk during
ÎÎ Instruct the client to sit upright toward the front edge of the movement or at the end-range of movement. This
the seat with the feet together and firmly placed on the assessment evaluates trunk rotation in the transverse
floor. The client’s back should not touch the backrest. plane. Therefore, any lateral flexion of the trunk (dowel
ÎÎ Place a squeezable ball or block between the knees tilting up or down) must be avoided.
and a dowel across the front of the shoulders, ÎÎ Evaluate the impact on the entire kinetic chain.
instructing the client to hold the bar in the hands (i.e., Remember that the lumbar spine generally exhibits
front barbell squat grip). limited rotation of approximately 15 degrees, with
ÎÎ While maintaining an upright and straight posture, the the balance of trunk rotation occurring through the
client squeezes the block to immobilize the hips and thoracic spine. If thoracic spine mobility is limited, the
gently rotates left and right to an end-range of motion body strives to gain movement in alternative planes
without any bouncing. within the lumbar spine (e.g., increase in lordosis to
promote greater rotation).
§§ It is important to remember not to cue the client to
use good technique, but instead observe his or her
natural movement.