Chapters authored
Pelvic Movement in Aging Individuals and Stroke Patients
The mobility of the lumbar spine (anteversion and retroversion) may be reflected in seated pelvic mobility. When sitting with the soles of the feet in contact with the floor, friction may restrict the flexion of the knees and, consequently, the pelvic anteversion. In general, joint mobility declines with advancing age. Lumbar spine mobility in anteversion and retroversion also decreases with advancing age. The first half of this chapter is based on a study that investigated the relationship between age and the maximum pelvic anteversion and the retroversion angles in healthy volunteers. The measurements were performed with the subject in a sitting position with free knee movement. On the other hand, the sit-to-stand movement is one of the most mechanically demanding tasks undertaken during daily activity. The sacral sitting posture, which is a characteristic posture of stroke patients, is not ideal for smoothly executing the sit-to-stand movement. Stroke patients may adopt this posture due to the need to increase sitting stability. The second half of this chapter discusses a study that investigated the relationship between the pelvic anteversion and retroversion angles and the ability of stroke patients to perform the sit-to-stand movement.
Part of the book: Clinical Physical Therapy
Functional Role of the Somatosensory Information to Perceive the Standing Position in the Anteroposterior Direction
The perceptibility of standing positions in the anteroposterior direction varies according to the standing position. Standing positions with the center of foot pressure (COP) located far from the COP in the quiet standing position show lower stability, and the perceptibility was markedly higher in comparison to positions with the COP near the COP in the quiet standing position. This chapter focuses on the role of somatosensory information in the perception of standing positions in the anteroposterior direction based on our previous study, which concluded that a large change in sensory information generated from the sole of the heel and knee may provide important cues regarding the perception of standing positions with low stability. Large changes in the somatosensory information generated from pressure changes on the sole and from the upward movement of the patella leaning forward or backward while standing may contribute to the position information.
Part of the book: Somatosensory and Motor Research