The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between measurements of thoracic spine mobility, and performance on the Functional Reach Test in older adults.
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 older adults of both sexes, recruited voluntarily and by convenience from the community. Thoracic spine mobility was measured actively during flexion movements in a seated position using a digital inclinometer (in degrees) positioned at different levels (T1, T8, and T12). Total flexion in cm was measured with a tape measure using the Schober Test. The functional reach test was performed and measured with a tape measure in cm. Pearson correlation tests were conducted to identify the association between thoracic spine mobility measurements and performance on the functional reach test. The data were analyzed using SPSS v. 23, with a significance level set at p 0.05.
The results indicate that greater mobility, whether measured in degrees (inclinometer) or centimeters (Schober), is associated with better performance on the Functional Reach Test, reflecting a greater distance achieved, and moderate correlations were found between the functional reach test and thoracic flexion at the T12 level (r = 0.429; p = 0.005), and total flexion during the Schober Test (r = 0.408; p = 0.008).
The results of this study demonstrate moderate correlations between measures of thoracic mobility and performance on the functional reach test in older adults. The greater the mobility, whether in degrees or centimeters, the better the performance on the Functional Reach Test.
The results of this study are important for physical therapy practice because they demonstrate the relationship between thoracic spine mobility with functional performance in older people.
function
mobility
