The Spine Lateral Flexion Test measures how far the client can side-bend through the spine and trunk. It is useful for tracking side-to-side mobility and adding context to gait, sport rotation, lateral movement and general trunk movement.
A client may report one-sided stiffness, reduced side-bending, or asymmetry during sport, lifting or daily movement. The Spine Lateral Flexion Test provides a repeatable way to record side-bending ROM and compare left and right.
The MAT article describes the client standing upright with the Measurz inclinometer aligned at T12. The client flexes to one side as far as possible while the device remains aligned with the spinous process. The MAT article lists at least 30 degrees on both sides as the practical goal and states that a general normal range is 20–45 degrees.
Test name: Spine Lateral Flexion Test
Purpose: Assess side-bending ROM
What it assesses: Trunk/spinal lateral flexion to each side
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Lateral flexion angle in degrees per side
Best used with: Spine flexion, extension, rotation, hip ROM and functional trunk assessment
Key limitation: Pelvic shift, rotation and shoulder movement can affect the result
The Spine Lateral Flexion Test measures side-bending ROM of the trunk/spine from an upright position.
It is used to assess side-to-side ROM, establish baseline mobility and track changes across sessions.
It measures lateral flexion ROM in degrees. It does not isolate one spinal region, identify a pain source or diagnose asymmetry.
This is usually an active ROM test. The client side-bends themselves. Record any assistance, hand position or modification.
Athletes, gym clients, runners, older adults, clients with trunk mobility goals and anyone where side-to-side spine movement comparison is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, flat standing space, Measurz app and notes for side, pain, pelvic shift, rotation and symptoms.
Ask the client to stand upright. Align the Measurz inclinometer at T12. Ask the client to bend to one side as far as they can while keeping the top of the device aligned with the spinous process. Save the result, then repeat on the other side.
Record degrees for each side. Compare left and right rather than only using a single value. The MAT article lists at least 30 degrees on both sides as a practical goal and 20–45 degrees as a general range.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 30 degrees each side as a practical MAT target and 20–45 degrees as broad context. Prioritise client baseline and side-to-side comparison.
Smartphone and inclinometer spine ROM measures can be feasible, but reliability depends on landmarking, motion control and consistent assessor technique. Reviews around 2020 support smartphone-based assessment for several spinal movements while noting that validation evidence varies by movement.
Common errors include rotating the trunk, shifting the pelvis, bending the knees, changing foot position and inconsistent T12 placement.
Use this test to monitor side-bending ROM, compare sides and add context to sport movement, lifting, running and trunk mobility programming.
Record side, angle, pain score, symptom location, T12 placement, foot position, pelvic shift, trunk rotation, baseline score and retest score.
Spine Flexion Test
Spine Extension Test
Spine Rotation Test
Neck Lateral Flexion Test
Hip Abduction Test
Gait Assessment
It measures side-bending ROM through the spine and trunk.
Yes. Side comparison is one of the main reasons to use this test.
The MAT article lists at least 30 degrees on both sides.
No. It is a movement finding and should be interpreted with symptoms and other tests.
The test measures side-bending ROM.
Test both sides.
Control pelvic shift and trunk rotation.
Use reference values cautiously.
Record symptoms and side comparison in Measurz.
Cuesta-Vargas, A. I., Galán-Mercant, A., & Williams, J. M. (2020). Validity and reliability of smartphones in assessing spinal kinematics: A systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 43(6), 511–523.
Pourahmadi, M. R., et al. (2020). Psychometric properties of the iHandy Level smartphone application for measuring lumbar spine lordosis and range of motion: A systematic review. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 29(3), 352–359.
Fraeulin, L., et al. (2020). Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0243646.
