SPRING

TEST

​• Test positioning

The client lies prone and the therapist stands with the thumb or hypothenar eminence (specifically the pisiform) over the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra.

​• Action

Apply a downward "springing" force through the spinous process of each vertebra to assess posterior-anterior motion.

This action should be repeated for each transverse process to assess rotary motion.

​• Positive finding

Increases or decreases in motion at one vertebra compared to another are indicative of hypermobility or hypomobility, respectively.

​• Special considerations & comments

Rotational accessory movement can be compared at each level by performing this test to the transverse process on each side of one vertebral level.