Characteristics of anterior trunk tilt when sitting and its relationship with gait in hemiplegic patients: Focusing on trunk movements

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between the anterior trunk tilt angle when bending forward while sitting and trunk movements during gait in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] In 20 elderly persons and 14 hemiplegic patients, anterior trunk tilt angles when bending forward while sitting and when walking were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analyzer. Markers were attached to 2 segments and a line, the pelvis and middle/upper trunk, to compare the anterior tilt angle between the 2 groups and examine its relationship with gait. [Results] There were no differences in the angle between the groups in a static sitting position. In contrast, when bending forward while sitting, the anterior pelvic and middle trunk tilt angles were significantly smaller among the hemiplegic patients. There was also a positive correlation between the anterior middle trunk-to-pelvis tilt angles (relative angles) when bending forward while sitting and when walking. [Conclusion] The relative angle when bending forward while sitting may influence trunk movements during gait in hemiplegic patients.