A Study on the Effect of Pelvic Tilting Exercise in Hemiplegic Patients

골반운동이 뇌졸중 환자의 보행특성에 마치는 효과

The objective of this study was to identify the effects of pelvic tilting exercise on gait patterns of hemiplegic patients. The subjects of this study were 31 hemiplegic in- and out-patients of the Rehabilitation Hospital, Yonsei University Medical Center, from September 24, 1997 through November 5, 1997. Pre- and post-treatment change in gait patterns were measured using a ink foot-print. The data were analyzed by the paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-test. The findings were as follows: The difference in gait patterns between pre- and post-treatment was statistically significant, with an increase in gait velocity to 7.98 cm/sec post-treatment; an increase in cadence to 7.29 steps/min; a narrowing of the base of support to 1.33 cm; an increase in step length of 3.92 cm on the less affected side and 3.73 cm on the more affected side; an increase in stride length of 5.82 cm on the less affected side and 5.92 cm on the more affected side(statistically not significant in foot angle). In relation to sex, age, cause of stroke, and laterality of paralysis, the difference in gait patterns between pre- and post-treatment was not statistically significant. Where there was no significant difference of the effects of pelvic exercise regarding the degree of spasticity, the presence of a decrease in proprioception, and the duration of treatment. In conclusion, hemiplegic pelvic tilting exercise was found to have transmitting positive effect in improving gait patterns.