The Spine Rotation Test measures how far the client can rotate through the trunk and spine. It is useful for tracking rotational mobility, comparing sides and adding context to running, throwing, golf, tennis, change of direction and daily movement.
A client may feel restricted rotating to one side during sport, lifting, driving or change-of-direction movement. The Spine Rotation Test provides a repeatable way to record rotation ROM and compare left and right.
The MAT article describes the test in standing or sitting, using the transverse-plane feature of the Measurz inclinometer. The device is aligned horizontally across the thoracic wall near the inferior scapular region, set at zero, and the client rotates as far as possible while maintaining neutral pelvic alignment. The MAT source lists 70–90 degrees as a general reference range.
Test name: Spine Rotation Test
Purpose: Assess trunk/spinal rotation ROM
What it assesses: Rotation ROM to each side
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer with transverse-plane function
Key finding: Rotation angle in degrees per side
Best used with: Spine flexion, extension, lateral flexion, neck rotation, thoracic mobility and sport movement assessment
Key limitation: Pelvic movement can falsely increase the score
The Spine Rotation Test measures the client’s ability to rotate the trunk/spine in the transverse plane.
It is used to assess rotational mobility, compare sides and monitor change across sessions. It can add context to sports and tasks requiring trunk rotation.
It measures trunk/spine rotation ROM in degrees. It does not isolate thoracic rotation, diagnose movement restriction or measure rotational power.
This is usually an active ROM test. The client rotates themselves while maintaining pelvic control.
Golfers, tennis players, throwing athletes, runners, field sport athletes, gym clients and anyone where trunk rotation is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, chair or flat standing space, Measurz app and notes for side, pain, pelvic control and test position.
Have the client stand or sit upright. Align the Measurz inclinometer horizontally across the thoracic wall near the inferior scapular region. Set the device to zero. Ask the client to rotate as far as they can while maintaining neutral pelvic alignment. Save the result and repeat on the other side.
Record rotation in degrees for each side. The MAT article lists 70–90 degrees as a general reference range, but this should be interpreted with test position, sport demands and side comparison.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 70–90 degrees as broad context, not a universal standard. Side-to-side comparison and repeated testing under the same setup are often more useful.
Smartphone and inclinometer-based spinal kinematic assessment is feasible for several movements, but validation is movement-specific. The 2020 spinal kinematics review notes that thoracic rotation may be viable but still requires further validation work compared with more established movements.
Common errors include pelvic rotation, shifting weight, moving the arms instead of the trunk, changing standing/seated position and inconsistent device alignment.
Use this test to monitor rotational mobility, compare sides and add context to sport movements such as golf, tennis, throwing, sprinting and cutting.
Record side, rotation angle, test position, pain score, symptom location, pelvic control, device placement, comparison side and retest score.
Spine Flexion Test
Spine Extension Test
Spine Lateral Flexion Test
Neck Rotation Test
Shoulder Horizontal Abduction Test
Thoracic Mobility Assessment
It measures trunk/spinal rotation ROM.
Either may be used if recorded. Use the same position for retesting.
Pelvic movement can make the rotation score appear larger.
The MAT article lists 70–90 degrees as a broad reference range.
The Spine Rotation Test measures trunk rotation ROM.
Use the transverse-plane function.
Control pelvic movement.
Record left and right separately.
Track changes in Measurz over time.
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.
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.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., et al. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
