Normative Values of Spinal Flexibility for Nigerians Using the Inclinometric Technique

Normative values of spine range of motion (ROM) are essential for proper diagnosis of spinal impairments and in the monitoring of effect of treatment and patient?s recovery. This study established gender and age normative data and the correlates of spinal flexibility in apparently healthy Nigerians adults. 502 volunteers whose ages ranged between 18 and 47 years participated in the study. Dual inclinometric technique was used to measure spinal flexibility in forward flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion. Flexibility levels were defined using percentiles as poor (95th) respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 alpha level. The mean value for forward flexion, extension right and left lateral flexion for all participants was 43.3+12.7, 16.7+6.81, 17.3+6.25 and 17.0+5.65. Females exhibited significantly higher extension (17.4+6.34 vs. 16.1+7.14) and right lateral flexion (18.4+6.30 vs. 16.3+6.07) ROM than their male counterparts (p