Contribution of lumbar spine and hip movement during the palms to floor test in individuals with diagnosed hypermobility syndrome

Abstract

The ability to place the hands to the floor forms part of the assessment of joint hypermobility. The test may be symptom free, or in the case of joint hypermobility syndrome, may be associated with pain in the spine, hip, and knee. The aim of this study was to identify the relative amount of movement at the lumbar spine and hip during this test in people with asymptomatic and symptomatic hypermobility compared with a control group. Thirty-six female subjects (10 asymptomatic hypermobility, 13 symptomatic hypermobility, and 13 control) ranging between 18 and 60 years of age participated in the investigation. Measurements were made by using digital photography and inclinometers. Measurement reliability was established prior to the investigation. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between hip flexion range in the two hypermobility groups compared to the control group; there was no significant difference in lumbar spine movement between the three groups. The findings suggest that people with asymptomatic or symptomatic hypermobility perform the hand to floor test with the same relative contribution from the lumbar spine and hip joints. Both groups perform the hands to floor test and with a greater relative hip flexion range than a control group.