Evidence and recommendations for the use of segmental motion testing for patients with LBP – a systematic review

Review written by Dr Sarah Haag info

Key Points

  1. Passive segmental motion testing is commonly used in the clinic for assessing patients with low back pain.
All key points available for members only

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Passive physiological intervertebral movement (PPIVM), passive accessory intervertebral movement (PAIVM), and the prone instability test (PIT) are used clinically to assess lumbar passive segmental motion and classify lumbar segmental motion as normal, hypermobile, or hypomobile. In spite of these tests being used frequently in clinical practice, the reliability and validity of these tests are not universally accepted.

The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the validity and reliability of segmental motion tests in people with low back pain (LBP) and to give recommendations for the application of these tests in clinical practice.

Passive segmental motion testing includes passive physiological intervertebral movement (PPIVMs), passive accessory intervertebral movement (PAIVMs), and the prone instability test.
bulb
It is important to understand if the assessments you’re using give you clinically useful information.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in PubMed, LIVIVO and Cochrane Library combining the search terms addressing LBP or lumbar segmental instability, intervertebral motion testing, and validity and reliability. Inclusion criteria for the review included: full article published in German, Spanish,

to unlock full access to this review and 1085 more