Hold: 30 seconds

Rest: 10 seconds

Sets: 2

Frequency: 3 times daily

Time: 2 weeks

Hold: 30 seconds

Rest: 10 Seconds

Sets: 2

Frequency 3 times daily

Time: 2 weeks

Hold: 10 sec

Rest: 10 sec

Sets: 3x

Frequency 3 x daily

Time: 2 weeks

Hold: 10 sec

Rest: 10 Sec

Sets: 3x

Frequency: 3 x daily

Time: 2 weeks

• Hold: 30 seconds in the open (rotated) position

• Rest: 10 seconds

• Sets: 2

• Frequency: 3 times daily

• Time: 2 weeks

• Sets/Reps: 2–3 sets of 10 reps

• Rest: 30 seconds between sets

• Frequency (per day): 2–3 times daily

• Time: 2 weeks

• Hold: 30 seconds per side

• Rest: 10 seconds

• Sets: 2

• Frequency: 3 times daily

• Time: 2 weeks

Hold at the top of the stretch, then return to neutral. Repeat on the left side.

• Hold: 30 seconds per side

• Rest: 10 seconds

• Sets: 2

• Frequency: 3 times daily

• Time: 2 weeks

Start in a forearm plank with feet together. Jump both feet outward wide, then back to center, keeping core tight and hips level. Repeat rapidly while maintaining plank form.

• 3 Sets, 30 seconds per set

• Rest: 45 seconds

• Frequency: 3 times a week, every other day

Stand with feet apart, holding a light ball. Raise the ball overhead. Rotate your trunk slightly and slam the ball diagonally down to one side. Catch or retrieve the ball and repeat to the opposite side.

• Reps: 10 per side

• Sets: 2–3

• Rest: 30–60 seconds

• Frequency: 2–3 times/week

Sets: 3

Reps: 10

Rest between sets: 10 seconds

Frequency: 3 times a week

Sets: 3

Reps: 8

Rest: 15 seconds between set

Frequency: 3 times a week

The Sorensen test is used to assess isometric endurance, particularly for the predictability of low back pain. This test tests the trunk extensor muscles—mainly the erector spinae, multifidus, and associated lumbar stabilizers.

Explanation:

Lie face down on a table with your hips at the edge and your legs strapped down or tester holding legs down. Cross your arms over your chest. Lift your upper body to stay straight and level with your legs. Hold that position as long as you can without dropping or feeling pain.

Populations: Chronic Pain

Minimal Detectable Changes:

Current, Previous, and No History of Lower Back Pain (Latimer et al., 1999; Calculated from the SEMs given in the article)

•  All subjects: MDC= 43.2s

• Current NSLBP: MDC= 32.1

• Previous NSLBP: MDC= 48.5s

• Asymptomatic LBP: MDC= 48.2

• Physically inactive adults: MDC= 48.5

• Physically active adults: MDC= 42.1

Young, Healthy Subjects (McGill et al., 1999; Calculated from the SEMs given in the article)

• Males: MDC= 20.0s

• Females: MDC=23.5s

Pain Free and Nonspecific Lower Back Pain (Simmonds et, al., 1998;Calculated from the SEMs given in the article)

• Lower back Pain: MDC= 24.1

• Healthy: MDC= 48.8

  
  

Minimally Clinically Important Difference : No established MCID.

Normative Values:

Males:

• Healthy Population - Hold for 198 seconds.

• Prior LBP - Hold for 176 seconds.

• Current LBP - Hold for 163 seconds.

Females

• Healthy Population - Hold for 197 seconds.

• Prior LBP - Hold for 210 seconds.

• Current LBP - Hold for 177 seconds.

Cutoff Scores:

• Less than 176 seconds predicts low back pain following year

• Greater than 198 seconds predict low risk of developing back pain.

Additional Info:

• Test is stopped at 240 seconds if no difficulty for patient.

To assess combined trunk extension and rotation mobility, strength, and control in a functional, weighted movement pattern. Useful for identifying deficits in thoracolumbar coordination and endurance in clients recovering from back injury, postural dysfunction, or training for rotational sports.

Test Concept:

This test mimics real-life movement demands like reaching overhead into a cabinet, swinging a bat, or lifting and turning. It blends trunk extension with controlled rotation under load.

Equipment Needed:

    •    Resistance band or light cable system (5–10 lbs resistance)

    •    Measuring tape

    •    Stable anchor (at floor level)

    •    Stopwatch

    •    Optional: Goniometer or motion capture app

Test Setup:

    1.    Anchor a resistance band at knee height behind and slightly to the side of the subject.

    2.    Subject stands in a split stance, feet shoulder-width apart, facing away at a 45° angle from the anchor.

    3.    Starting hand is closest to the anchor (ipsilateral), holding the band handle with both hands.

Instructions:

    1.    Begin with slight trunk flexion and rotation toward the anchor.

    2.    Instruct the subject to perform a controlled trunk extension + rotation away from the band, lifting the band diagonally across the body (like a reverse woodchop).

    3.    The motion ends with arms extended at ~45° above the opposite shoulder, trunk upright and rotated.

    4.    Return to the starting position slowly and with control.

    5.    Repeat for 10 reps per side, monitoring for compensation, control, and movement quality.

Scoring (Qualitative + Quantitative Hybrid):

Each side is scored out of 20 points, broken into the following:

    •    Movement Quality (0–5): Smooth, coordinated, and without substitution

    •    Range of Motion (0–5): Ability to extend and rotate fully through the trunk

    •    Control (0–5): Stability during return and deceleration

    •    Reps in 30 sec (0–5): Total quality reps completed under time

Total possible score = 40 points (20 per side)

Common Compensations:

    •    Lumbar hyperextension instead of thoracic motion

    •    Arm dominance over trunk rotation

    •    Lack of trunk dissociation from pelvis

    •    Rushed or uncontrolled return movement

Who Should Use This Test?

    •    Rehab patients post-spine injury

    •    Athletes in rotational sports (golf, tennis, baseball)

    •    Clients with chronic back tightness or poor postural control

    •    Older adults being screened for balance and fall risk with trunk deficits