The Relationship between Segmental Alignment of the Trunk and Walking Ability of Hemiplegic Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the features of the static posture and the lateral trunk movement in the sitting and standing positions affected by the walking ability of hemiplegic patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 8 hemiplegic patients, four of whom were independent in level of walking, and four of whom were not. [Methods] A 3D motion analysis system and four force plates were used to measure the movement of lateral weight shifts. The angle and the position of the pelvis and the upper trunk and floor reaction force were calculated. Each result was examined for significant differences between independence in walking or not. [Results] In the sitting position, the backward inclination of the pelvis and the rotation of the upper-trunk during the static sitting position, and the backward inclination of the pelvis during lateral shift to the non-paretic side, and the rotation of the upper-trunk during lateral shift to the paretic side were smaller in independent walking patients. In standing, the tilt of the upper-trunk during static standing and the rate of loading on the paretic limb at the shift to the paretic lower limb were characteristic points between the independent walkers and those who could not. [Conclusion] In the sitting position the compensation during the movement to the paretic side was different from that to the non-paretic side. Some features of movements were common in both the sitting and standing positions and they could be key points for functional evaluation and physical treatment.