COMPREHENSIVE JOINT FLEXIBILITY ASSESSMENT IN LOWER EXTREMITIES AND SPINAL COLUMN:

A BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS USING DIGITAL GONIOMETRY

Abstract

Background: Spinal column and lower extremity flexibility are critical components of functional
movement, athletic performance, and injury prevention. Digital goniometry offers objective, precise
assessment capabilities superior to traditional measurement methods.
Objective: To comprehensively evaluate static flexibility of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine,
coxofemoral joint, knee, and ankle using the Mobee Med digital goniometry system, establishing
normative data and identifying clinical flexibility patterns.
Methods: Three healthy adult subjects underwent systematic flexibility assessment using Mobee Med (TGA-registered) with 142 standardized mobility tests. Evaluations included: cervical spine
(flexion/extension, lateral bending, rotation), thoracolumbar spine (flexion/extension, lateral bending, rotation), coxofemoral joint (flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, rotations), knee
(flexion/extension), and ankle (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, eversion/inversion). Statistical analysis
utilized descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests comparing measured values against reference
standards (α=0.05).
Results: Significant deficits were identified across multiple regions. Cervical spine: flexion 70.67°±3.06
(reference 80°, p=0.034), left rotation 77.67°±3.51 (reference 85°, p=0.026). Thoracolumbar spine:
extension 15.00°±3.61 (reference 25°, p=0.041). Coxofemoral joint: left hip flexion 118.33°±2.52
(reference 125°, p=0.004), right abduction 55.33°±3.51 (reference 70°, p=0.010). Knee: left flexion
120.33°±5.51 (reference 135°, p=0.044). Ankle: dorsiflexion 15.00°±2.00 left, 14.33°±2.52 right
(reference 20°); plantarflexion 42.67°±7.77 left, 43.33°±4.04 right (reference 55°). Statistical analysis
revealed flexibility restrictions averaging 10-40% below reference values, with larger deficits in
extension movements and rotational patterns.
Conclusions: Digital goniometry reveals systematic flexibility deficits in spinal and lower extremity
joints even in healthy populations. Cervical and thoracolumbar extension limitations (26.67-66.67%
deficits) reflect modern postural dysfunction from prolonged sitting and forward head positioning.
Coxofemoral restrictions in flexion (5.63%), abduction (26.51%), and rotations (20-27%) indicate hip musculature tightness predisposing to low back pain and lower extremity pathology. Knee flexion
deficits (10.89-12.19%) and ankle mobility restrictions (25-28.90%) compromise functional movement
patterns essential for daily activities and athletic performance. The Mobee Med system provides precise, standardized assessment enabling early intervention before clinical symptom manifestation.