The effect of weight bearing alignment training on anterior pelvic tilt in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of weight-bearing alignment training (WBAT) in correcting anterior pelvic tilt in children with cerebral palsy. Methods Twenty-seven children with cerebral palsy and anterior pelvic tilt were recruited and randomly assigned to a WBAT group, a strengthening group and a standing group, each of 9. In addition to routine medication and rehabilitation training, the 3 groups received WBAT, strengthening training or standing training respectively for 20 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Before and immediately after the treatment, the subjects′ anterior superior iliac spine-posterior superior iliac spine angles (ASIS-PSIS angles) were assessed along with their anterior-posterior angles (A-P angles) and distances in a 1-minute walk test. Results The WBAT group showed significant improvement in their average ASIS-PSIS angle (to 18.61±3.13°), A-P angle (to 23.31±3.81°) and the distance in the 1-minute walk test after the treatment. The standing group had significant progress in improving their A-P angles (to 24.48±4.33°), and the strengthening group had significant improvement in the distance walked in the 1-minute walk test. The average improvements in the ASIS-PSIS angle and walk distance in the WBAT group were significantly better than in the other 2 groups. Conclusion WBAT is superior to strengthening and standing training in improving the ASIS-PSIS angle, A-P angle and walking ability of children with cerebral palsy and anterior pelvic tilt. Key words: Alignment; Posture; Cerebral palsy; Pelvic tilt; Weight-bearing alignment training