American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What does a Schober test measure in patients with spinal issues?

Flexibility of the hip joint
Range of motion of the lumbar spine
Strength of the back muscles
Overall spinal alignment

The correct answer is: Range of motion of the lumbar spine

The Schober test specifically measures the range of motion of the lumbar spine, which is a key indicator of spinal flexibility and potential mobility limitations. In this test, the clinician marks specific points on the patient's back and then measures changes in distance between those points when the patient flexes forward. A significant decrease in measurement indicates reduced lumbar spine mobility, which can be associated with several conditions, particularly inflammatory diseases like ankylosing spondylitis. This test is particularly useful in establishing baseline measurements and monitoring changes over time in response to treatment. The focus of the Schober test on lumbar range of motion differentiates it from evaluations that assess other components like muscle strength or hip joint flexibility.