Measurement of Normal Lumbar Spine Range of Motion in the College-Aged Turkish Population Using a 3D Ultrasound-Based Motion Analysis System

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine range of motion values of lumbar spine in Turkish people by using 3D motion analysis method. Patients and Methods: The study included 100 sub-jects (50 males, 50 females; range 18 to 22 years). The Zebris ® 3D Motion Analysis System was used for the measurement. Lateral bending, flexion, extension, pelvic tilt were evaluated in the measurements. Results: The average value for total lateral flexion at lumbar spine was found to be 51.3°±7.5 in males and 52.7°±9.9 in females. Total flexion-extension was 81.0°±11.1 in males and 80.2°±10.2 in females. L4-L5 flexion, L5-S1 extension values were statisti-cally high in women (p<0.05) while L3-L4 total flex-ion-extension and L1-L2 total lateral flexion values were statistically high in men (p<0.05). The support of pelvic tilt to total lumbosacral flexion was 46.6% in males and 42.1 % in females. The support was 36.8 % in males and 26.2 % in females during exten-sion. Flexion and extension of pelvic tilt values in men were found to be significantly higher than that in women (p<0.05). Conclusion: The normal values of movements of lumbar spine in Turkish people have been determined with 3D motion analysis system. Key words: Range of motion; pelvic tilt; lumbar spine; Turkey