Relationship between the ability to perform the sit-to-stand movement and the maximum pelvic anteversion and retroversion angles in patients with stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ability to perform the sit-to-stand movement and the maximum pelvic anteversion and retroversion angles of patients. [Subjects] Thirty-two stroke patients (66.7±7.6 years) (>3 months post-stroke) who were able to sit unsupported and 50 age-matched healthy subjects participated in this study. The stroke patients were classified into two groups according to the sit-to-stand movement test: the group that was able to stand up (the stand-able group) (18 persons) and the group that was unable to stand up (the stand-unable group) (14 persons). [Methods] Pelvic anteversion and retroversion maximum angles were measured by a manual goniometer attached to an inclinometer. [Results] The maximum pelvic anteversion angles were -1.6 ± 5.0°, 1.2 ± 2.8°, and -12.4 ± 6.1° in the control group, the stand-able stroke group, and the stand-unable stroke group, respectively. A significant main effect of group was found. An angle discriminating between the two stroke groups was found: the maximum anteversion angles in the stand-able group were distributed above -5°. [Conclusion] The maximum pelvic anteversion angle was significantly smaller in the stand-unable group than in the stand-able and control groups.