Understanding the Left Right Judgement Test: A Literature Review

Background: The body schema, which is constantly updated using somatosensory information, enables accurate movement. Since pain is reported as a possible source to alter the body schema, the left right judgement test (LRJT) has been widely used in the pain rehabilitation. However, there was a lack of consistency in the effect of the pain on the LRJT results, and for the effect of the LRJT as a part of intervention programs for pain patients. The deeper understand of the LRJT is necessary for better reproducibility, and to expand the therapeutic applications of the LRJT in the pain and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Objects: This literature review aimed to understand the LRJT and to study the potential of the LRJT for therapeutic applications. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for studies relevant to LRJT. To establish the query set, the term was regarded from various perspectives. Results: The selected studies were classified into three categories: LRJT development, factors influencing LRJT, and therapeutic applications. Conclusion: Left right judgement test is the evaluation tool for the integrity of body schema as well as a tool for implicit motor imagery. Pain, proprioception, and other factors influence the performance of the LRJT.