title: Relationships between lumbar flexibility, sit-and-reach test, and a previous history of low back discomfort in industrial workers.
abstract: The sit-and-reach (S&R) test is often included in standard fitness tests (e.g., Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal [CPAFLA]), justified on the assumption that it is an indicator of low back health. Two issues were examined here: Is low back flexibility linked to having a history of low back disorders? And is the S&R test an indicator of low back flexibility? The relationship between S&R test scores, lumbar range of motion, and having a history of low back discomfort was examined in 72 asymptomatic (at test time) industrial workers (70 M, 2 F; mean age 35 ys; height 1.79 m; mass 84.7 kg). The S&R test, among many collected, was performed according to the CPAFLA guidelines. History of low back discomfort (LBD) was categorized based on whether or not time was lost from work. The S&R test was unable to distinguish between those with a history of LBD and those without. Specific lumbar sagittal range of motion could make this distinction. A moderate correlation (r = 0.42) surfaced between S&R and lumbar flexibility. This study suggests that the value of S&R as an indicator of previous back discomfort is questionable and there may be better indicators for inclusion in the CPAFLA.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1.
authors.forename: Sylvain G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Grenier
authors.forename: Caryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Stuart M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McGill
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D016272:Occupational Health; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis