These tests are indicated in:
- A limited and/or painful anteflexion of the thoracolumbar spine and measurement of agility of the lumbar spine.
The classic Schober’s test is described below. With the modified test, the distance between the floor and the finger tips during thoracolumbar anteflexion in made use of. However, this test result is influenced by the length of the hamstrings and mobility in both hips.
Procedure
- The patient stands upright with their back towards the examiner.
- The examiner marks the spinous process of S1 (approximately 1-2 cm cranially from the superior posterior iliac spines) and a point on the spine that is 10 cm further, in a cranial direction (measured using a flexible measuring tape) [Figure 54].
- The patient is asked to make a maximum anteflexion, during which, the examiner measures the distance between both marks [Figure 55].
- From the measured distance, 10 cm is deducted to give the Schober value. Note: Schober = cm.
Figure 54
Figure 55
Interpretation
For a normal agile lumbar spine, the Schober value will be 3-5 cm. In very agile people, a Schober value of 6 cm is not exceptional.