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

ABSTRACT

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.