THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRUNK MUSCLE STRENGTH AND PELVIC OSCILLATION IN ASYMPTOMATIC PHYSICALLY INACTIVE ADULTS

Abstract

Purpose: Pelvis and trunk structure are body segments that are integrated with each other. Collaboration between pelvic mobility and trunk muscles plays a significant role in walking and energy consumption. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between trunk muscle strength and pelvic oscillations. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy individuals volunteered for the study (16 women, 12 men; mean age 24.46 ± 2.97 yrs., height 172.03 ± 9.41cm, weight 67.78 ± 16.31 kg). Pelvic oscillations were measured by using a wireless tri-axial accelerometer. Trunk muscle strength was evaluated with Isokinetic Dynamometer (Cybex Humac Norm Testing & Rehabilitation System, USA). The trunk extensors and flexors were tested concentrically at 60°s. Statistically, the direction and level of the relationship were examined by using Spearman Correlation Analysis. Results: Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between concentric strength of trunk flexion and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt (r=-0.419 p<0.05), lateral pelvic tilt (r=-0.768 p<0.001), and hip rotation (r=-0.382 p<0.001). A statistically significant relationship was not observed between concentric strength of trunk extension and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt, and hip rotation (p>0.05). Conclusion: The current study reports that trunk muscle strength is associated with pelvic oscillations. In particular, the increase in the strength of the trunk flexor group muscles has been shown to limit the mobility of the pelvis. In addition, these results show that the increase in trunk muscle strength provides a stable basis for the pelvis during walking. Therefore, the authors of the current study think that a stable pelvis structure will contribute to the prevention of possible pathologies related to the lower extremity.