Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Healthcare Medical Science and Engineering, INJE University, Gimhae-si 50834, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Won-Gyu Yoo, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, INJE University 197 Inje-ro, Gimhae-si 50834, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Tel.: +82 55 320 3994; Fax: +82 55 329 1678; E-mail: won7y@inje.ac.kr.
Note: [1] Sun-Shil Shin and Gyu-Cheol Shin contributed equally to this work.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The orientation of the pelvis is of particular importance to the sagittal curve of the spine and has geometric relationships with the top of the spine and lumbar lordosis. Changes in spinal shape or disruptions of sagittal balance in the spine, such as a flattened lumbar spine, have significant negative effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the posterior superior iliac spine support device (PSD) on upper trunk acceleration during gait in individuals with flat lumbar back posture. METHODS: In total, 10 young male subjects with reduced lumbar lordosis (global lumbar lordosis angle (T10–S2): <-20∘) were recruited for this study. Participants walked 7 m with and without wearing a PSD at a self-selected speed while fitted with an accelerometer attached over the T7 spinous process. RESULTS: The normalized AP acceleration of T7 with PSD (40.57 ± 11.22%) was significantly higher than those without PSD (37.10 ± 10.46%, p= 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: We found that wearing the PSD immediately improved pelvic physiological movement during walking in individuals with lumbar flat back posture. Our findings may help healthcare professionals manage flat back posture in asymptomatic younger individuals.
Keywords: Flat lumbar back posture, posterior superior iliac spine support device, pelvic movement, upper trunk acceleration
