Normative Reference Values for Trunk Range of Motion and Isometric Muscle Strength in Asymptomatic Young Indian Adults

To determine normative reference values for trunk range of motion (ROM) and isometric strength (TIS) in asymptomatic young, Indian adults. Age, gender, body mass index, lifestyle, and dynamometer-based device measurements of trunk ROM and TIS in extension (EXT), flexion (FLX), and rotation (ROT) were recorded and analysed in 80 asymptomatic subjects between 20 and 40 years of age. Correlation analysis was performed to determine factors influencing EXT and FLX ROM and TIS. The normative reference values for mean trunk EXT, FLX, right ROT, and left ROT ROM were 23° (95th percentile 31.9°), 40.2°(95th percentile 51.5°), 36.8°(95th percentile 57.7°), and 35.4° (95th percentile 55.7°), respectively; and for mean EXT, FLX, right ROT, and left ROT TIS were 118.1 Nm (95th percentile 278.8 Nm), 63.8 Nm (95th percentile 159.4 Nm), 39.9 Nm (95th percentile 113.6 Nm), and 42.8 Nm (95th percentile 108.9 Nm), respectively. The mean EXT (p = 0.0002), right (p = 0.02), and left ROT ROM (p = 0.01), and the mean EXT, FLX, and ROT TIS (p < 0.0001) were significantly greater in males compared to females. The FLX, EXT, and ROT TIS showed significant strong correlation with EXT and FLX TIS. Mean TIS values in Indian subjects were lower when compared to subjects from other countries. This study established normative reference values for trunk ROM and TIS in asymptomatic young Indian adults. These reference values can be helpful to diagnose trunk ROM and TIS deficits, identify subjects at risk for LBP and disability, and individualise rehabilitation treatment in them.