Tragus to Wall Test
Original Editor - Lauren Lopez
Top Contributors - Lauren Lopez, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton and Aminat Abolade
Objective[edit | edit source]
To objectively measure the forward flexed posture of an individual.
A 2018 review of the Tragus to Wall Test (TWT) noted it is a simple, reliable and valid, clinical indicator of forward flexed posture[1].
Intended Population[edit | edit source]
For individuals with a flexed head and neck posture, particularly the elderly and those who have Parkinsons or Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Method of Use[edit | edit source]
Shipe et al describe the measuring the tragus to wall distance (TWD) as: “the horizontal distance between the tragus, the auricular cartilaginous flap anterior to the external auditory meatus, and a wall.”[2]
Haywood et al (2004) describe the following: “Horizontal distance between right tragus and wall, standing with heels and buttocks against the wall (to prevent pivoting), knees extended and chin drawn in. Larger distance indicates worse spinal/upper cervical posture. Measured with a retractable steel tape measure.”[3]
The TWD can be measured as cued or relaxed, I.e the clinician prompts the individual to assume as close to an anatomical posture as possible e.g “Stand tall.”, or the clinician measures the individual in their usual or presenting posture.
The measurement can be done standing or sitting and it is worth documenting which position has been used.
The TWD can be measured on both the individual’s right and left, and then an average can be calculated.
Reference[edit | edit source]
Haywood et al, 2004: Spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis: reliability, validity and responsiveness[3]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Reliability[edit | edit source]
Validity[edit | edit source]
Responsiveness[edit | edit source]
Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]
Links[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Bohannon RW, Tudini F, Constantine D. Tragus-to-wall: A systematic review of procedures, measurements obtained, and clinimetric properties. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2019;32(1):179-189.
- ↑ Shipe NK, Billek-Sawhney B, Canter TA, Meals DJ, Nestler JM, Stumpff JL. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the tragus wall distance (TWD) measurement in non-pathological participants ages 18–34. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2013. 29;4: 328-334. Accessed 6 August 2019.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Haywood KL, Garratt AM, Jordan K, Dziedzic K, Dawes PT. Spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis: reliability, validity and responsiveness. Rheumatology. 2004. 43; 6:750–757. Accessed 6 August 2019.
