Publication:

The relationship between pelvic alignment and trunk control in stroke subjects: a cross-sectional study

Background Following stroke static as well as dynamic components of postural control were affected. Ability to maintain postural alignment is also a vital component of the postural control system. Pelvic asymmetry is commonly observed in stroke subjects which can influence trunk control. However, there is a paucity of literature that determines the relationship between pelvic alignment and trunk control in subjects with stroke.

Aim To analyze the relationship between pelvic alignments using PALM and trunk control as measured by the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS).

Setting Inpatient rehabilitation unit, Tertiary Care Hospitals, Mangalore.

Design A cross-sectional study.Subjects: 38 supra-tentorial stroke subjects with more than 3 weeks duration and who can be able to sit independently were recruited.

Methods The medio-lateral pelvic alignment of the stroke subjects was measured in sitting using the PALM™. The deviation in the pelvic tilt on the paretic side in comparison to the non-paretic side was measured in degrees. Following which the trunk control was evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale.

Results The correlation between the pelvic tilt and the trunk control in the stroke subjects showed a negative correlation which indicates that a change in the pelvic alignment which affects the trunk control. Pelvic tilt values negatively correlated with all the sub-items of trunk impairment scores (p < 0.00). The pelvic tilt and the items of TIS scores. Brunnstrom’s stage of lower extremity Motor Recovery demonstrated a significant association (p < 0.05), except for the coordination sub score of the TIS.

Conclusion Pelvic alignment influences the trunk control and is also available to be associated significantly with the acute phase of stroke (3 weeks to 3 months). Brunnstrom’s Stage of lower extremity motor recovery is also associated significantly with the static and dynamic sub scores of the TIS, hence trunk control may influence extremity motor recovery.