. 2015 Sep;23(4):197–204. doi: 10.1179/2042618615Y.0000000002

Table 2.

Lumbar segmental instability tests

1) Aberrant motion^13,15	If any of these movements are observed during forward bending – such as painful arc of motion, an instability catch, thigh climbing or a reversal of lumbopelvic rhythm – the test is considered positive.
2) PIT test^13,15	The participant lies in prone position on the edge of the examining table with the feet on the floor. Examiner performs PA mobility testing on each lumbar segment while the participant's trunk muscles are relaxed (relaxation phase); if a painful segment is identified, the participant is asked to lift the legs slightly off the floor (co-contraction phase). Then, the examiner applies the same amount of pressure to the painful segment. If pain is provoked at the relaxation phase and subsides at the co-contraction phase, the test is considered positive.
3) Average PSLR >91° test^12,15	From supine position, the bubble inclinometer is positioned at the tibial crest. The leg is then passively raised to the maximum tolerated level; then the ROM degree is recorded, and the examiner repeats the same process on the second leg. If the average reading of both legs is >91°, the tests are considered positive.
4) Lumbar flexion ROM >53^2,13	From standing position, the bubble inclinometer is used to record the baseline reading of T12-L1 and S2 reference point. Then, after the participant has bent forward, the end range of T12-L1 is recorded; then, the S2 reading is recorded. The true lumbar range is a result of the subtraction of sacral ROM from thoracolumbar ROM. If the result is >53°, the test is considered positive.
5) PLE test^8,21	With the participant in prone position, both legs are passively raised about 30 cm from bed level and then pulled gently. If the subject experiences severe LBP, or if there is a feeling of heaviness on the lower back or a feeling as though the lower back were about to ‘come off’, the test is considered positive.
6) Lack of hypomobility with PA glide test^7,13	Participant in prone position. Examiner performs PA glide on the lumbar spinous process. If all lumbar segments are judged not to have stiffness (hypomobility), the test is considered positive.

PIT: prone instability test; PSLR: average passive straight-leg raising; ROM: range of motion; PLE: passive lumbar extension; PA: posteroanterior; LBP: low-back pain.