What is the normal range for normal thoracic spine seated rotation?

What is the normal range for normal thoracic spine seated rotation?

• A. 0-60 to 0-90°
• B. 0-15 to 0-25°
• C. 0-35 to 0-50°
• D. 0-20 to 0-30°

Answer: (C)

Seated thoracic rotation is limited mainly by the thoracic joints themselves once the pelvis is stabilized, so you’re measuring the upper spine’s ability to twist rather than the hips or lower back. In a typical seated test, the normal end range is about 35 to 50 degrees of rotation to each side. The rib cage and facet orientations restrict motion, while the lumbar region stays relatively quiet when the pelvis is held still, which is why this range sits in the mid-30s to around 50 degrees. Values much smaller (like 0-15 or 0-25) don’t reflect normal variation and values much larger (like 0-60 or 0-90) usually exceed typical limits or reflect measurement differences. A narrower range like 0-20 to 0-30 misses the fuller, expected range of motion.

Seated thoracic rotation is limited mainly by the thoracic joints themselves once the pelvis is stabilized, so you’re measuring the upper spine’s ability to twist rather than the hips or lower back. In a typical seated test, the normal end range is about 35 to 50 degrees of rotation to each side. The rib cage and facet orientations restrict motion, while the lumbar region stays relatively quiet when the pelvis is held still, which is why this range sits in the mid-30s to around 50 degrees.

Values much smaller (like 0-15 or 0-25) don’t reflect normal variation and values much larger (like 0-60 or 0-90) usually exceed typical limits or reflect measurement differences. A narrower range like 0-20 to 0-30 misses the fuller, expected range of motion.