Prone Instability Test | Rationale & Interpretation

The video tutorial explains the prone instability test, a diagnostic tool for patients with low back pain. It categorizes patients into treatment groups based on their symptoms, such as hypermobility or instability. The test involves positioning the patient in a prone position, applying PA forces to the lumbar spine, and checking for pain reduction when the patient moves to an active position. Muscle activation, particularly of the lumbar paraspinals and core, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the hypermobile segment, leading to pain reduction and a positive test result.

What is the purpose of the prone instability test in patients with low back pain?

Describe the position a patient must be in to perform the prone instability test.

Explain how the prone instability test determines the presence of hypermobility in a lumbar segment.

What indicates a positive result in the prone instability test?

What are the key muscle groups activated during the active position of the prone instability test?