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October 28 2019

Best Lumbopelvic Tests for Deadlifts and Squats

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Assessing lumbopelvic hip function is useful for determining deadlift and squat capability.  Lumbopelvic hip function or rhythm is essentially the coordination of movement between the hips, pelvis and lumbar spine.  What it helps tell you is whether people have good dissociation.  When we squat and deadlift, we want neutral lumbar spine and neutral pelvis, but the hips are moving.  Sometimes we are trying to prevent movement that people do not even understand.  Looking at lumbopelvic rhythm is looking at function at a fundamental level so that you know what an individual’s capability is like for learning or fixing squats and deadlifts.

One very simple test that you can use to assess lumbopelvic function is the multisegmental flexion test.  Simply standing and flexing forward to touch the toes.  What we are trying it to see is whether there is a uniform curve in the spine with even flexion in all regions, does the pelvic till anteriorly, do the hips shift back, ie are the hips flexing.

The second test is the opposite motion, assessing multisegmental extension.  Reaching overhead, extend the spine letting the hips come forward.  What we are looking for is whether the hips move forward, whether we get even extension throughout the spine.  Does the thoracic spine extend or is more extension coming from the lumbar spine?

It is important to be aware that people who have very little range of motion, in either flexion or extension, may have more difficulty resisting flexion under load.  So, deadlift and squat capability may be more limited for these individuals.

Make sur to watch the entire video above ☝️ to learn more about these tests.

? Want the ultimate guide for teaching and fixing deadlifts?  Here it is: How to Deadlift with Proper Form: The Ultimate Guide

 

 


Mai-Linh Dovan M.SC., CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist
Founder of Rehab-U

 

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