Which of the following is NOT a technique used for palpating thoracic vertebral flexion?

Palpating thoracic vertebral flexion involves assessing how the vertebral segments move relative to each other during flexion. Techniques commonly employed include using the transverse processes to gauge motion, as they provide lateral access to the vertebrae; using the spinous processes to monitor flexion through their movement relative to one another; and assessing anterior movement, which evaluates how the vertebrae move forward during flexion.

Assessing lateral bending, however, is not a direct measure of thoracic vertebral flexion. Lateral bending refers to side-to-side movements of the spine rather than forward bending, making it unrelated to the assessment of flexion. Therefore, it does not contribute to understanding the flexion motion of thoracic vertebrae and is correctly identified as the technique that is not used for palpating thoracic vertebral flexion.