Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment
Setup
Client supine on treatment table, arms resting at sides. Examiner standing at the client's side at rib cage level.
Cueing
Step 1: Line up the edge of both index fingers next to the inside edge of the lower rib cage on each side. Step 2: Measure the angle between the finger alignment and the vertical midline of the body using a goniometer. Step 3: Compare LEFT and RIGHT angles. The wider angle indicates the side of rib cage expansion. The narrower angle indicates the side of rib cage compression and sternal orientation.
Measurement
Record LEFT ARA and RIGHT ARA in degrees. The sternum rotates toward the side with narrower ARA and more compressed lower cage expansion. If the wider ARA matches the wider lower cage expansion on the same side, rib cage mechanics are uniform. Discrepancy indicates non-intact pattern development.
Modality
FAQ
What muscles does Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment work?
Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment primarily targets the T Spine. It is classified as a professional-level assessment test.
How do you perform Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment correctly?
Client supine on treatment table, arms resting at sides. Examiner standing at the client's side at rib cage level. Step 1: Line up the edge of both index fingers next to the inside edge of the lower rib cage on each side. Step 2: Measure the angle between the finger alignment and the vertical midline of the body using a goniometer. Step 3: Compare LEFT and RIGHT angles. The wider angle indicates the side of rib cage expansion. The narrower angle indicates the side of rib cage compression and sternal orientation.
What equipment is needed for Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment?
Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment requires Assessment Kit. It is categorized as a Pattern Analysis assessment test.
Related Exercises
Apical Rib Angle
Infrasternal Angle (ISA)
Lower Chest Expansion
Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load)
Sidelying Rib Cage Expansion Assessment
Thoracic Extension ROM
Get a professional assessment of your t spine mechanics
Knowing the exercise is step one. Understanding how your body moves through it -- where you compensate, where you leak force -- is where real progress happens. 18 tests, objective data.