Preliminary Study of the Immediate Effect of Spinal Segmental Side Bending Mobilization on Improve Lumbar Range of Motion

[Purpose] To describe the immediate changes of mobility of intervertebral motion after lumbar side bending mobilization. [Subject and Method] Ten volunteers (10 men, aged 26-43 years) with no history of significant low back pain were recruited to participate in this study. Consenting volunteers were referred for radiographs. Three radiographs, neutral position, right side bending position prior to mobilization and right side bending position after mobilization, were taken. The L3/4 segment was chosen for mobilization. The mobilization was performed by one physical therapist. Frontal angular rotation of each lumbar spinal motion segment was measured on the pre- and post-mobilization radiographs by a blinded investigator (radiologist) using SYNAPSE software (FUJIFILM). Data were analyzed with the SPSS package, version 13.0. Within-group differences were assessed with the paired t test. [Results] Analysis of the pre- and post-mobilization radiographs showed a significant increase at the L3/4 segment from an average 5.6 to 7.1 degrees, and no significant increase at other segments, L1/2, L2/3, L4/5. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that lumbar segmental side bending mobilization targeting the L3/4 segment results in an immediate increase in the angular motion of the L3/4 segment.