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Abstract
Passive physiological flexion is a spinal mobilization technique commonly used to restore forward bending range of movement, however there is little evidence to support the efficacy of this technique. The aim of this randomized controlled trial therefore, was to determine the effect of passive physiological flexion technique on forward bending range of motion in subjects with reduced range. Forty volunteer subjects with reduced range, were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Subjects in the experimental group were treated with passive physiological flexion for three minutes, while those in the control group lay supine, with the hips and knees flexed (crook lying) for an equivalent time period. An independent samples t test revealed a significant difference between the groups, the experimental group attaining a 3.79 cm increase in range, compared to a change of 1.24 cms in the control group. This study provides support for the use of passive physiological flexion to increase forward bending range.