Assessment of lumbar function.

There are several problems associated with the conventional assessment of disability in the low back, and none are more disturbing to the clinician than the absence of visual feedback to measure physical capacity. This problem forces an assessment of impairment that is often based on a subjective patient self-report and inaccurate goniometric mobility measures that lead to broad variances in impairment/disability ratings. The problems of present rating systems can be investigated and potential solutions gained by new technology. Speculation is warranted on further developments in the assessment of lumbar impairment and disability.