ABSTRACT
The purpose of the pilot study was to establish and validate a procedure for measuring an individual's lumbar curvature and determine inter-examiner and intra-individual reliability. When analyzed separately, only the sitting position was significantly correlated with upper and lower lumbar lordosis. As a result, it was concluded that the most appropriate measure of flexion was in the seated position. A range-of-motion value was calculated for each individual, representing the sum of their lumbar flexion and extension Based on these findings, it was decided to use the flexicurve measures of lumbar lordosis in the three seated positions for subsequent evaluations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implications of individual differences in lumbar characteristics, lumbar depth, and backrest angle on subjective discomfort ratings and stature change. Reinecke and Hazard emphasize the benefits associated with continuous changes in depth induced by passive motion of the lumbar spine.
