# Relationship between Spinal Range of Motion and Functional Tests in University Students: The Role of Demographic Factors

## TL;DR

This study explores how spinal flexibility relates to functional tests in university students and finds that physical education students show stronger correlations.

## Contribution

The study identifies demographic factors influencing spinal range of motion and functional test correlations in students.

## Key findings

- Strong correlations were found between left and right lumbar spine lateral flexion (r = 0.85 to 0.97).
- Physical education students showed stronger FT-ROM relationships compared to other departments.
- Age did not significantly affect the correlation between functional tests and spinal ROM.

## Abstract

Spinal disorders are some of the most prevalent health concerns, especially among students. Based on student demographics, this cross-sectional study evaluated the correlation between functional tests (FTs) and spinal range of motion (ROM). This study included 206 students (age = 19.85 ± 1.80 years) from the Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacău. Participants’ assessments were conducted using the following tests: (i) Ott, (ii) Schober, (iii) Stibor, (iv) finger-to-floor distance, (v) lateral flexion of the cervical and lumbar spine, and (vi) flexion of the cervical spine. Correlation analyses were evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient analysis. The results indicated a very strong relationship between lateral flexion of the lumbar spine on the left (LFLSL) and right (LFLSR) for all departments (r = 0.85 to 0.97, p < 0.05). There was a stronger relationship between FT results and spinal ROM for physical-education-department students compared to students from other departments (n = 17, r = −0.38 to 0.93, p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between FTs and spinal ROM based on age (p > 0.05). The study results provide evidence of the primary risk factors that predispose students to postural deviations. Practitioners and physiotherapists can utilize these values as a reference for potential therapeutic interventions.