The MAT Spinal Assessment provides a standardised method of assessing spinal flexibility in standing across all three anatomical planes of movement. It enables clinicians and exercise professionals to objectively measure spinal mobility, identify movement limitations, and monitor changes over time.
This assessment includes four movement directions:
Spinal Flexion
Spinal Extension
Spinal Lateral Flexion
Spinal Rotation
Each assessment follows a repeatable protocol, allowing objective comparisons between assessment sessions.
Movement Assessment Technologies (MAT)
Measuring ruler
MAT Assessment Sheet or Measurz
Flat, non-slip surface
Before beginning the assessment:
Explain each movement to the client.
Record any current spinal pain, stiffness or discomfort.
Record any previous spinal injuries or recent episodes of low back pain.
Ensure the client understands to stop at the point of maximum comfortable movement or when pain prevents further movement.
Encourage slow, controlled movements throughout each assessment.
Complete the following assessments in order.
Measures the client's ability to bend forwards while maintaining a standardised standing position. This provides an objective measure of sagittal plane flexibility and identifies movement limitations caused by stiffness, discomfort or pain.
Ask the client to:
Stand with both feet together.
Position the toes immediately behind the red 90° starting line on the MAT Star.
Face the measurement ruler.
Extend both arms forwards with one hand placed on top of the other.
Before beginning the movement, align the fingertips with the measurement ruler and record this as the starting position.
Instruct the client to slowly reach forwards as far as comfortably possible.
Maintain fingertip contact with the measurement ruler throughout the movement.
Encourage slow, controlled movement without bouncing.
Ask the client to report when flexibility, discomfort or pain limits further movement.
Record the final reach position using the measurement ruler.
If pain limits movement, record this position as P2.
Measures the client's ability to extend through the spine while maintaining balance and foot contact with the ground. This movement is commonly used to evaluate spinal mobility and functional overhead movement.
Ask the client to:
Stand with both feet together.
Position both heels behind the red 90° line on the MAT Star.
Face away from the measurement ruler.
Place one hand over the other.
Instruct the client to reach both arms overhead and backwards as far as comfortably possible.
Maintain both feet flat on the ground throughout the movement.
Avoid stepping or excessive knee flexion.
Continue until flexibility, discomfort or pain limits further movement.
Record the maximum excursion using the measurement ruler.
Record the position as P2 if pain limits further movement.
Alternative Position
If shoulder pain or reduced shoulder mobility prevents an overhead reach, a Head Driver may be used to facilitate spinal extension while minimising shoulder limitation.
Measures the client's ability to bend sideways while maintaining an upright posture. This provides an objective measure of frontal plane flexibility and identifies movement limitations caused by stiffness, discomfort or pain.
Ask the client to:
Stand with both feet together.
Position the medial borders of the feet equally on either side of the red 90° line on the MAT Star, facing perpendicular to the measurement ruler.
Raise both arms overhead with the palms together.
Instruct the client to slowly reach overhead towards one side as far as comfortably possible.
Maintain both feet in contact with the ground throughout the movement.
Avoid twisting or rotating the trunk.
Continue until flexibility, discomfort or pain limits further movement.
Record the maximum reach using the measurement ruler.
If pain limits movement, record this position as P2.
If shoulder pain or reduced shoulder mobility prevents an overhead reach:
Position the arms comfortably by the client's sides.
Ask the client to slide the fingertips down the outside of the leg.
Measure the fingertip position relative to the floor or lower limb using the same standardised approach.
Measures the client's available spinal rotation while maintaining a stable standing position. The MAT system provides an objective measure of rotational excursion that can be monitored over time.
Ask the client to:
Stand with both feet together.
Position the lead heel on the centre of the MAT Star.
Align the rotational angle using the second toe of the lead foot.
Extend both arms straight forwards with the palms together.
Position the measuring ruler along the main measurement line before beginning the assessment.
Instruct the client to rotate their trunk towards the side of the lead heel as far as comfortably possible.
Reach until the back of the hand touches the measurement ruler.
Maintain balance and keep both feet in contact with the ground throughout the movement.
Once the ruler is successfully reached, slightly increase the rotational angle by adjusting both feet on the MAT Star.
Repeat until the client is no longer able to reach the measurement ruler.
Record the maximum angle reached.
If pain limits movement, record this position as P2.
For each movement, record:
Movement tested
Direction tested (where applicable)
Reach distance or rotational angle
Reach height (where applicable)
Pain response
P2 position (if pain limits movement)
Movement compensations
Client-reported symptoms
Use the same testing position and procedure during future assessments to improve reliability and accurately monitor changes over time.
When recording the assessment in Measurz, consider documenting:
Spinal movement assessed
Side tested (where applicable)
Reach distance
Reach height
Rotation angle
Pain score
P2 position
Symptoms reproduced
Compensations observed
Client comments
Assess all movements using the same standardised setup.
Encourage slow, controlled movement throughout each assessment.
Record the point where flexibility or pain limits movement.
Use the P2 marker whenever pain prevents further movement.
Repeat assessments under consistent conditions to monitor changes in spinal flexibility over time.
