Article

Axial rotation of the trunk is important to many vocational tasks and
activities of daily living, and may be associated with back injuries. The
influence of spinal postures on trunk rotation appears conflicting. This study
investigated the influence of forward trunk inclination, spinal posture and
pelvic fixation on maximum trunk rotation. METHODS: Twenty male participants were
assessed using an optoelectronic motion-analysis system to track trunk movement
during maximal trunk rotations in different spinal positions within the sagittal
plane. A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance investigated the
effects of forward trunk inclination, spinal posture and pelvic fixation on trunk
and pelvic rotation. Test-retest reliability was determined using interclass
correlation coefficients and standard error of measurement. FINDINGS: Forward
trunk inclination at 45 degrees yielded a 19% (6.2 degrees ; P<0.001) increase in
trunk rotation and a 40% (25.5 degrees ; P<0.001) decrease in pelvic rotation
when compared to standing. When flexing and extending the spine at a forward
trunk inclination of 45 degrees there was a 5% (1.9 degrees ; P<0.01) and a 4%
(1.6 degrees ; P<0.05) decrease in trunk rotation. Fixing the pelvis increased
the trunk rotation by up to 9% (3.3 degrees ; P<0.001). INTERPRETATION: Inclining
the trunk forward and maintaining a neutral spine maximised trunk rotation range
of motion (RoM). This has implications for educational programmes intended to
maximise sporting performance. Within the clinical setting, unrestricted
observation of trunk rotations is considered more appropriate as it may benefit
the clinician in determining possible detrimental relative flexibilities that may
exist within the body.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS