Thanks to visit codestin.com
Credit goes to www.scribd.com

Scribd
Upload
397 views2 pages

Flexicurve - Protocol: The Measure Explained

The document describes a protocol for measuring spinal curvature using a flexible ruler called a flexicurve. The physiotherapist places the flexicurve along the participant's spine and molds it to the curves, then traces the shape onto graph paper. This is repeated three times to obtain multiple measurements. Landmarks are marked at the top and bottom of the spine to ensure consistent placement of the flexicurve. The participant is instructed to stand in their usual posture so the measurements reflect their normal spinal alignment.

Uploaded by

Raihan Adam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
397 views2 pages

Flexicurve - Protocol: The Measure Explained

The document describes a protocol for measuring spinal curvature using a flexible ruler called a flexicurve. The physiotherapist places the flexicurve along the participant's spine and molds it to the curves, then traces the shape onto graph paper. This is repeated three times to obtain multiple measurements. Landmarks are marked at the top and bottom of the spine to ensure consistent placement of the flexicurve. The participant is instructed to stand in their usual posture so the measurements reflect their normal spinal alignment.

Uploaded by

Raihan Adam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

Flexicurve – protocol
The measure explained:

The Flexicurve ruler allows us to measure the curves of your spine. The flexicurve is a strip of
flexible metal covered in plastic. I will place it at the top of your back then gently bend it so it
reflects the shape of your backbone. I will then trace the curve onto graph paper.

Setting: Physiotherapy cubicle

Equipment required:
1 Gown 1 Flexicurve 10 x10 gridded Graph paper
skin/ make-up pencil Wipes Ruler – mm markings
Pencil Chair plinth

Method:

1. First examine the spine and mark relevant landmarks of C7 and L1 – see Landmark
identification protocol.

2. Start with the person in sitting with shoes off. Show the person the flexicurve and talk them
through the procedure. Demonstrate if needed.

Explain: “I want you to stand in your usual best posture; resting your hands lightly on
the chair or table in front. Look straight ahead.

I will place the flexicurve on your spine and gently press to mould it to the curves of
your spine. Once this is done I will ask you to take your hands away from the support
and to stand in your ‘usual best posture”. I will then check and make any final
adjustments.

If at any point you need to rest please say and you can sit down.

We will do this three times and you can sit and have a rest between each measure.

PROVE 1: OCT 2012 REC Number: 12/SC/0411 ISRCTN Number: 49117867


Physiotherapy Rehabilitation of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

3. Ask the person to stand and place the top of the flexicurve with the flat part against the
spine on the C7 spinous process (marked) and mould the flexi-curve along the contour of
the spine to L1 spinous process (marked) to provide a replica of the spinal shape.
 Make sure there is no gap between the flexicurve and the participant.
 Mark the location of L1 on the flexicurve with make-up pencil.

4. Ask the person to sit. They need to relax for at least 30 seconds between measures

5. Trace the flexicurve shape onto the graph paper. Position the flexicurve so the C7 mark is
at the corner of a grid square on the graph paper (on a straight, vertical line) and the L1
mark is on the same line. Trace the side of the flexicurve touching the skin onto the graph
paper (Curve 1). Mark the points C7 and L1 on the flexicurve onto the paper. Straighten
the flexicurve and remove the marks.

6. Repeat step 3-5 a further 2 times

PROVE 1: OCT 2012 REC Number: 12/SC/0411 ISRCTN Number: 49117867

You might also like