schober's test schober's test schober's test is a physical examination used in family medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheumatology to measure the ability of a patient to flex the lower back. schober's testpurposeability to flex lower back procedure while the patient is in a standing position the examiner makes a mark approximately at the level of l5 (fifth lumbar vertebra). two points are marked: 5 cm below and 10 cm above this point (for a total of 15 cm distance). then the patient is asked to touch his/her toes while keeping the knees straight. if the distance of the two points do not increase by at least 5 cm (with the total distance greater than 20 cm), then this is a sign of restriction in the lumbar flexion. this can be useful in examining a patient suspected of ankylosing spondylitis. history the test was first described in 1937 by dr paul schober (march 11, 1865 - august 22, 1943), a german physician.