Influence of pelvic inclination on sit to stand task in stroke patients

Abstract

Background: Stroke results in an impaired sit to stand (STS) task. Pelvic movements are essential in daily living activities. Few studies investigated the effect of spine and pelvis separately on functional activities in stroke patients. Objective: The study aimed to assess the angles of pelvic inclination (anterior and posterior pelvic tilt angles) (APT and PPT) during sitting position and during STS movement. It aimed also to determine the influence of sagittal pelvic tilt angles on STS performance in stroke patients. Patients and methods: Thirty male hemi-paretic stroke patients (GI) and 15 matched healthy volunteer subjects (GII) represented the sample of this study. Stroke patients were assigned into two equal groups (group Ia and Ib). Sagittal pelvic tilt angles were measured by using the palpation meter inclinometer during sitting position and during initiation and mid of STS by using two dimensional (2D) video-based motion analysis system. Time of five repetitions STS test was used to assess the ability to perform STS task. Results: The results showed a significant increase of PPT angle during static sitting, a significant decrease in APT angle during initiation and mid of STS task and a significant increase in time taken for five repetitions STS test in both stroke groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Abnormal pelvic alignment and movements affect the functional performance of stroke patients during sitting and sit to stand task. Trial registration: NCT03053154. Registered January 22, 2017. Retrospectively registered.