Gender Differences in Pelvic and Lower Limb Kinematics during Walking in People with Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Author Affiliations 1Department of Physical therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2Department of Physical therapy, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, USA Received: July 02, 2020 | Published: July 08, 2020 Corresponding author: Atefeh Rahimi, Department of Physical therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.28.004697 Chronic Low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Previous studies have shown a link between spine and lower limb movement. The link between modified pelvic and lower limb range of motion (ROM) and LBP may vary by gender. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore gender differences in pelvic and lower limb kinematics during walking in people with chronic low back pain. Participants included 20 individuals with chronic LBP (10 males). Pelvic and lower limb kinematics was tracked using a seven-camera motion capture system. Oneway ANOVA was conducted to compare the range of motion of pelvis, hip, knee and ankle joints during walking between males and females. Male group showed less pelvic (P= 0/02) and ankle (P= 0/03) ROM in sagittal plane compared to female. Additionally, male displayed more ankle ROM in transverse plane (P= 0/01) in comparison with female. Males with LBP displayed less motion in the sagittal plane and more motion in the transverse plane in the dominant limb in comparison with females. Therefore, gender specific design of interventions for pelvic and lower limb should be considered to improve CLBP. Keywords: Kinematics; Low Back Pain; Lower Limb; Pelvic; Walking Abbreviations: CLBP: Chronic Low Back Pain; ROM: Range of Motion; LBP: Low Back Pain; LPSIS: Left Posterior Superior Iliac Spine; RPSIS: Right Posterior Superior Iliac Spine; RASIS: Right Anterior Superior Iliac Spine; LASIS: Left Anterior Superior Iliac Spine; JCS: Joint Coordinate System; SCS: Segmental Coordinate Systems; HS: Heel Strike