2024 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 120-127
(Purpose) This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the Posterior Lumbar Flexibility test (PLF) in assessing the flexibility of the posterior elements of the body in patients with fresh lumbar spondylolysis.
(Subjects and Methods) This study included 131 patients diagnosed with fresh lumbar spondylolysis using magnetic resonance imaging who visited our clinic between September 2019 and March 2022. The positivity rates of PLF were evaluated at baseline and two months, and the positivity rates of Finger Floor Distance (FFD) and Straight Leg Raising (SLR), which are evaluation tests of the posterior elements of the body (lumbar region and hamstring) were evaluated, and compared with the improvement rate of these tests.
(Results) At baseline, the positivity rates were 69%, 52%, and 67% for PLF, FFD, and SLR, respectively. The positivity rates for each test were significantly lower at two months than at baseline (p ＜0.01). The rate of improvement for PLF was significantly higher than FFD and SLR (p ＜0.01).
(Conclusion) Considering its high positivity rate and improvement rate following rehabilitation, PLF could assess lumbar flexibility independently, especially in lumbar spondylolysis. Therefore, PLF in considered to be useful as on evaluation test for flexibility in patients with lumbar spondylolysis.
