Lumbar Spine Kinematics during Anterior and Posterior Pelvic Tilting in Supine and Prone Positions

Purpose: The pelvic tilting exercise is a well recognized rehabilitation maneuver. However, little information is available on the changes of lumbar segmental motion during pelvic tilting. This study was conducted to measure the kinematics of the pelvic tilting exercise on the supine and prone positions via fluoroscopy. Methods: A total of 10 female subjects were enrolled. During anterior, neutral, and posterior pelvic tilting, radiographs were taken in each exercise via fluoroscopy (ARCADIS Orbic, Siemens, USA). Images were sent to the picture archiving communication system (PACS), and the digitized images were analyzed using LabVIEW software (National Instruments, USA). Lumbosacral lordosis and the intervertebral body angle, intervertebral disc angle, and intervertebral displacement were analyzed. Results: The results of lumbar kinematic analysis during three tilting postures in the supine and prone positions demonstrated that lumbosacral lordosis and the intervertebral body angle and intervertebral disc angle were significantly higher when the pelvis was tilted anteriorly (p>0.05). However, there was no significant difference between anterior and neutral tilting in the intervertebral disc angle at the L3/4 level in the prone position (p>0.05), and there was no significant difference among tilting positions in intervertebral body displacement in the prone position (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study provides scientific evidence about the pelvic tilting exercise in lumbosacral segmental motion. Depending on the pelvic tilting exercise, kinematic changes were demonstrated in both positions, especially in the supine position. It is suggested that the supine position is effective for mobility, but it should be used carefully for the LBP (Low back pain) patient with hypermobility.