Which population may benefit from the assessment provided by the McKenzie Side Glide test?

The McKenzie Side Glide test is specifically designed to assess and identify directional preference in patients with pain, particularly in the context of conditions affecting the lumbar spine and its related symptoms. This test is particularly beneficial for individuals with scoliosis, as it helps to evaluate how lateral movements might influence pain or neurological symptoms.

In scoliosis, the spine has an abnormal lateral curvature, which can lead to asymmetrical muscle function, altered biomechanics, and potential nerve involvement. The McKenzie Side Glide test helps clinicians determine which side movements alleviate or exacerbate symptoms, allowing for tailored treatment approaches that address the specific mechanical issues associated with scoliosis. Thus, the assessment provided by this test is essential for guiding intervention strategies in this population.

Other options, such as those involving acute fractures, post-surgical rehabilitation, or joint dislocations, are more focused on injury management and stabilization rather than the mechanical assessment of pain relief through movement patterns. Therefore, they do not align with the primary utility of the McKenzie Side Glide test, which is more diagnostic and rehabilitative for conditions like scoliosis.