What occurs to the spine during lumbopelvic rhythm when moving into lumbar flexion?

The lumbopelvic rhythm describes the coordinated movement between the pelvis and the lumbar spine when flexing forward from a standing position. In the initial stages of lumbar flexion, the pelvis tilts anteriorly, initiating the movement. However, the specific dynamics of this rhythm indicate that as one moves into greater degrees of flexion, it is essential to understand the role of the lumbar spine.

During lumbar flexion, the flexion primarily occurs in the lumbar spine first before significant movement occurs in the hips and pelvis. This means that the lumbar vertebrae begin to flex and allow the torso to bend forward. The significant degrees of movement (60-70 degrees) mentioned in the correct response encompass the primary flexion that occurs at the lumbar spine specifically. Once the lumbar spine has flexed to a considerable extent, the pelvis continues to move as the hips also start to flex further.

In this context, the assertion that the spine flexes first by 60-70 degrees accurately captures the mechanics of how lumbar flexion begins in the lumbopelvic rhythm. This understanding is crucial for clinical practice, particularly when assessing or treating patients with lower back issues or when analyzing movement patterns in physical therapy settings.