Induced static asymmetry of the pelvis is associated with functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the hypothesis that triggering and eliminating induced static pelvic asymmetry (SPA) may be followed by immediate change in functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex.

METHODS

Repeated measures experimental design with 2 levels of independent variable, that is, induced SPA triggered and induced SPA eliminated, was implemented. Three series of measurements were performed, that is, baseline, after triggering SPA, and after eliminating SPA. A group of 84 subjects with no initial symptoms of SPA was studied. Different forms of mechanical stimulation were applied aiming to induce SPA, and the 2 manual stretching-manipulating techniques were performed aiming to eliminate it. A hand inclinometer was used to measure SPA in standing posture. Selected ranges of motion of the hip joints and lumbar spine were used to depict functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex. The functional asymmetry indices for individual movements were calculated. Repeated measures design of analysis of variance, dependent data Student t test, and linear Pearson's correlation test were used.

RESULTS

Assessment of the SPA showed its significant increase between baseline and series 2 measurements, with a subsequent significant decrease between series 2 and series 3 measurements. Values of the functional asymmetry indices changed accordingly, that is, they increased significantly between series 1 and series 2 and had returned to their initial level in series 3 measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Induced SPA shows considerable association with functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex.