The Seated Trunk Rotation Test

Tue May 28, 2013 by Dr. Greg Rose

Test Objective for Seated Trunk Rotation Test

The Seated Trunk Rotation Test is designed to identify how much rotational mobility is present in the thoraco-lumbar spine. Good separation between the upper and lower body is important to help generate speed and maintain a stable posture during the golf swing.

Many golfers lack true thoracic spine rotation. The lack of rotation may cause them to create excessive lumbar spine rotational forces or over use the shoulder joint to compensate for limited thoracic spine mobility.

How to Perform the Seated Trunk Rotation Test

Begin by asking the client to get into a seated position with knees and feet together, body in an upright and erect posture and arms extended out in the “W” position supporting a bar across the shoulders. Use two clubs or shafts on the ground to make two 45 degree angles to measure the players rotation. Ask the client to rotate the thorax both to the right and to the left as far as possible. See if the client can rotate past the 45 degree range on both sides. Many golfers rotate their shoulder blades back and forth and it looks like they are making a good shoulder turn, but they actual lack true thoracic spine rotation. This test assesses their true thoracic rotation with their shoulder blades locked to get a real picture of their spinal mobility. 

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