Effects of Postero-Anterior Mobilization on Lumbar Extension and Flexion

This study was designed to determine the effects of the Maitland technique of central postero-anterior vertebral pressures (PAs) on lumbar flexion and extension mobility in an asymptomatic population. One hundred thirty active duty military males participated. Using the two fluid-based inclinometer method, the primary investigator measured standing neutral position, active end range flexion and active end range extension. Subjects were then sent to the secondary investigator who randomly assigned them to either treatment or control groups. The treatment group received three, one-minute series of Grade IV + PAs at the fifth, fourth and third lumbar spinous processes for a total of nine minutes. The control group lay prone for nine minutes. Measurements were repeated post-treatment by the primary investigator. Subjects were measured again one week post-treatment after completing a questionnaire about changes in physical activity, occupational duties, new injuries and subjective changes involving the low back. The treatment group had a significant gain in extension immediately post-treatment (p < .05) of 7.1 percent compared to a 0.1 percent gain in extension in the control group. Flexion mobility varied less than 1 percent immediately post-treatment in both groups. Results indicate that nine minutes of PA mobilization significantly increased lumbar extension among asymptomatic subjects.