Which motion has a normative ROM of 0-25 degrees?

• A. Thoracolumbar Extension
• B. Hip Internal Rotation
• C. Hip Abduction
• D. Hip External Rotation

Answer: (A)

Movement ranges vary by joint, and a normative ROM is the typical limit you’d expect in a healthy adult. For the motions listed, the hip joints allow more rotation and abduction than just a small bend, so their expected ranges are larger than 25 degrees. Specifically, hip internal rotation is generally around 30 degrees or more when the hip is flexed, hip abduction is about 40–45 degrees, and hip external rotation is roughly 40–60 degrees. The thoracolumbar segment, however, can extend only modestly from a neutral posture, typically about 0 to 25 degrees, because the facet joints, ligaments, and surrounding muscles limit how far the spine can bend backward. Therefore, the motion with a normative ROM of 0–25 degrees is thoracolumbar extension.