This study used motion analysis to measure the movements of the hips and lumbar spine in non-disabled participants performing axial trunk rotation activities while standing. The results showed that spinal range of motion significantly differed based on dominance, region, and hip motion. Rotational displacement of the transverse and sagittal spinal axes increased more when rotating on the dominant hip. Decreased axial trunk range of motion on the dominant hip was related to stiffened passive hip joint structures. The conclusions were that hip joint and lumbar spine function may be altered three-dimensionally based on dominance side, and lack of dominant hip motion in certain axes may relate to flexibility of the whole spinal region.

1. Kinematic analysis of symmetric axial trunk rotation on dominant hip Paul S. Sung, PhD, DHSc, PT; Yoon Hyuk Kim, PhD