Assignment task: Flexion of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
Subject: Lie on the back with the arms folded across the chest. Flex the head, shoulders and upper back from the table, keeping the chin in. There is no need to come to a full sitting position, since this is intended as a movement of spinal, not hip, flexion.
Assistant: Hold the thighs down.
Observer: Palpate as many muscles as possible.
What muscles contract? Explain the actions of these muscles.