Schober test^[1]

The Schober test measures the forward flexion of the lumbar spine. Many modifications of the Schober test measuring anterior flexion of the lumbar spine exist. The one chosen by the ASAS is performed as follows: The subject is asked to stand erect with feet apart to approximately the same width as the shoulders. A mark is placed in the midpoint of an imaginary horizontal line joining the two posterior superior iliac spines, which are close to the dimples of Venus. A second mark is then placed in an imaginary vertical line 10 cm above the first mark. The patient is then instructed to bend forward as much as possible as if to touch the floor with the fingers, keeping the knees straight. The difference between the two upper marks in the erect and forward bent position is then measured. The test is usually performed twice, with the greater measurement being accepted as the more accurate one. A measurement of ≥5 cm is considered normal, but a difference as low as 2.2 cm may be seen in some healthy individuals.^[2] The test is thus most useful for serial comparisons of a given individual.