Abstract
[Purpose] In order to examine the significance of the sit-and-reach distance of the elderly, we investigated its correlations with spinal mobility and straight leg raising range (SLR). [Subjects] The subjects were 161 community-dwelling elderly: 42 men, 119 women, average age 72.6 ± 6.9 years. [Methods] We measured sit-and-reach distance, spinal mobility and SLR and investigated their correlations. [Results] We found a significant correlation between sit-and-reach distance and SLR (r=0.60), but no correlation (lumbar or thoracic) was found with spinal mobility. [Conclusion] The results suggest that sit-and-reach distance is a test which reflects the suppleness of the hip joint and hamstrings, which are expressed in SLR, but not the flexibility of the spine.
