The Effect of Corrective Exercise Program on Pelvic Tilt of Persons with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Series Study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was, first, to create a corrective exercise program that can accompany the institutional rehabilitation care and might be individually used by people with unilateral transfemoral amputation, and second to determine changes in pelvic tilt (PT) after four months of proposed corrective exercise in adults who underwent unilateral transfemoral amputation. Four adults completed three 30- to 45-minute exercise sessions weekly for four months.
The PT was measured (in sagittal and frontal plane) in standing with prosthesis position with Qualisys optoelectronic system within one week before and after the intervention. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews after the intervention.
The anterior PT values (SD) decreased after intervention (before 20.48 degrees (0.43 degrees); 10.50 degrees (0.27 degrees); 12.86 degrees (0.08 degrees); 5.43 degrees (0.39 degrees) vs. after 16.44 degrees (0.40 degrees); 9.29 degrees (0.06 degrees); 12.26 degrees (0.58 degrees); 5.10 degrees (0.50 degrees)) as well as the lateral PT values (SD), (before 2.12 degrees (0.20 degrees); 2.08 degrees (0.12 degrees); 1.71 degrees (0.04 degrees); 2.66 degrees (0.13 degrees) vs. after -0.29 degrees (0.18 degrees); 0.51 degrees (0.09 degrees); 0.04 degrees (0.08 degrees); 2.47 degrees (0.07 degrees)). The anterior and lateral PT may be reduced by regular corrective exercise, but the significance of the change varies.
Qualitative data show the suitability and benefits (especially physical and psychological) for persons with unilateral transfemoral amputation. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.