Pelvic Belt Research Articles

Relatioship Between Pelvic Belt Mid-Thigh Isometricpull And Countermovement Jump In Collegiate Athletes

Relatioship Between Pelvic Belt Mid-Thigh Isometricpull And Countermovement Jump In Collegiate Athletes

The Role of Non-rigid Pelvic Belts in Managing Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

The Role of Non-rigid Pelvic Belts in Managing Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pelvic Fractures with Titanium Elastic Nailing: An Innovative Technology.

Minimally invasive treatment has become the most popular and effective treatment for pelvic fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique, titanium elastic nailing (TEN), for the minimally invasive treatment of pelvic fractures. Twenty-four patients with pelvic fractures were referred to us between January 2020 to January 2022, including sixteen males and 8 females. Pelvic fractures were temporarily fixed by pelvic fixation belt accompanied by traction from the lower limb bone. Anterior pelvic ring injuries (superior ramus of pubis) and ilium fractures were treated with closed reduction and intramedullary fixation with minimally invasive TEN. Intraoperative C-arm, including pelvic anteroposterior, pelvic outlet, inlet and ilium oblique views, and O-arm fluoroscopy (intraoperative CT) were employed to assess fractures reduction and determine the location of the elastic titanium nail within the bone channel. By adopting closed reduction and minimally invasive incision techniques, pelvic fractures could be safely fixed by placing an elastic titanium nail in the osseous medullary cavity channels of the pelvis. Postoperative investigation indicated that the wounds of all patients were healed in the first stage without any occurrence of complications, such as injuries to the nerves, blood vessels, and important tissue structures. Patients are essential quickly after the operation and could perform the functional exercise in the early stages of the recovery. TEN can be used for minimally invasive treatment of pelvic fractures. This novel technique has no obvious complications and is worthwhile in clinical practice.

Utilizing mobile robotics for pelvic perturbations to improve balance and cognitive performance in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Late-life balance disorders remain a severe problem with fatal consequences. Perturbation-based balance training (PBT), a form of rehabilitation that intentionally introduces small, unpredictable disruptions to an individual's gait cycle, can improve balance. The Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD) is a cable-driven robotic trainer that applies perturbations to the user's pelvis during treadmill walking. Earlier work showcased improved gait stability and the first evidence of increased cognition acutely. The mobile Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (mTPAD), a portable version of the TPAD, applies perturbations to a pelvic belt via a posterior walker during overground gait, as opposed to treadmill walking. Forty healthy older adults were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 20) without mTPAD PBT or an experimental group (EG, n = 20) with mTPAD PBT for a two-day study. Day 1 consisted of baseline anthropometrics, vitals, and functional and cognitive measurements. Day 2 consisted of training with the mTPAD and post-interventional cognitive and functional measurements. Results revealed that the EG significantly outperformed the CG in several cognitive (SDMT-C and TMT-B) and functional (BBS and 4-Stage Balance: one-foot stand) measurements while showcasing increased confidence in mobility based on FES-I. To our knowledge, our study is the first randomized, large group (n = 40) clinical study exploring new mobile perturbation-based robotic gait training technology.

The beneficial effects of conservative treatment with biofeedback and electrostimulation on pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be managed through conservative treatments, such as conservative management involving biofeedback (BF) and electrostimulation. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of conservative treatments on PFDs. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Women with PFD who underwent 1-3 months of BF and electrostimulation between January 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, were included in the study. BF treatment was administered using three sensors to monitor pelvic floor muscle activity, providing patients with immediate feedback and guidance on muscle exercises. One session lasted for 5-10 min. Electrostimulation treatment utilized a specially made pelvic belt with electrode sheets to stimulate and contract pelvic floor muscles passively. One session lasted for 15 min. Six therapies in 1 month were prescribed. Pre- and post-treatment Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) scores, including POP distress inventory 6 (POPDI-6), colorectal-anal distress inventory (CRAD-8), and urinary distress inventory 6 (UDI-6) scores, were compared. Subgroup analysis by age, menopause, body mass index (BMI), and child delivery mode was performed. The study included 51 women with PFDs (SUI, POP, frequency or urgency or nocturia, and pain) treated with BF and electrostimulation, with a mean age of 49.94 ± 13.63 years. Sixteen patients (37.1%) were menopausal, with a mean menopause age of 50 ± 5.20 years. Twenty-six patients (68.4%) had a history of normal vaginal delivery. The mean PFDI-20 scores before and after treatment were 32.67 (standard deviation [SD] 10.05) and 25.99 (SD 9.61), respectively (P < 0.001). This decrease in scores reflected an improvement in subjective perceptions of symptoms and quality of life. The POPDI-6, CRAD-8, and UDI-6 scores significantly decreased after treatment. Subgroup analysis of scores change regarding age, menopause, BMI, and child delivery mode was not statistically significant. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of BF and electrostimulation for treating women with PFDs. The findings contributed to the understanding of treatment duration, patient characteristics, and the potential benefits of a multimodal approach. Moreover, the study's diverse participant population and the use of validated outcome measures enhance the generalizability and scientific rigor of the findings.

Sex Differences In Mid-thigh Isometric Pull Performance Comparing Traditional Bar Grip And Pelvic Belt Methods

Sex Differences In Mid-thigh Isometric Pull Performance Comparing Traditional Bar Grip And Pelvic Belt Methods

Ultrasound assessment of the abdominal, diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles during the respiratory and postural tasks in women with and without postpartum lumbopelvic pain: a case-control study.

Postpartum lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) is common among women. Abdominal, diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) modulate intraabdominal pressure as a part of the force closure mechanism. These muscles are exposed to changes during pregnancy that compromise the force closure mechanism. It was hypothesized that abdominal and PFMs activity, the direction of bladder base displacement, diaphragm thickness, and excursion might differ between women with and without PLPP during respiratory and postural tasks. Thirty women with and 30 women without PLPP participated in this case-control study. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the abdominal, diaphragm, and PFMs during rest, active straight leg raising (ASLR) with and without a pelvic belt, and deep respiration. The bladder base descent was significantly greater in the PLPP group than in the controls during deep respiration and ASLR without a belt (p = 0.026; Chi-squared = 6.40). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the abdominal muscles activity and diaphragm muscle thickness. There was a significant interaction effect of the group and the task for diaphragm excursion (F (2, 116) = 6.08; p = 0.00) and PFM activity (F (2, 116) = 5.22; p = 0.00). In the PLPP group, wearing a belt compromised altered PFM activation and direction of bladder base displacement. The PFM activity, direction of bladder base displacement, and diaphragm excursion differed between groups during postural and respiratory tasks. Therefore, it is recommended to involve retraining of the PFMs and diaphragm muscle in the rehabilitation of women with PLPP.

The forgotten cohort-lessons learned from prehospital trauma death: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundTrauma related deaths remain a relevant public health problem, in particular in the younger male population. A significant number of these deaths occur prehospitally without transfer to a hospital. These patients, sometimes termed “the forgotten cohort”, are usually not included in clinical registries, resulting in a lack of information about prehospitally trauma deaths. The aim of the present study was to compare patients who died prehospital with those who sustained life-threatening injuries in order to analyze and potentially improve prehospital strategies.MethodsThis cohort study included all primary operations carried out by Switzerland's largest helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. We included all adult trauma patients with life-threatening or fatal conditions. The outcome of this study is the vital status of the patient at the end of mission, i.e. fatal or life-threatening. Injury, rescue characteristics, and interventions of the forgotten trauma cohort, defined as patients with a fatal injury (NACA score of VII), were compared with life-threatening injuries (NACA score V and VI).ResultsOf 110,331 HEMS missions, 5534 primary operations were finally analyzed, including 5191 (93.8%) life-threatening and 343 (6.2%) fatal injuries. More than two-thirds of patients (n = 3772, 68.2%) had a traumatic brain injury without a significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Thoracic trauma (44.6% vs. 28.7%, p < 0.001) and abdominal trauma (22.2% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.004) were more frequent in fatal missions whereas pelvic trauma was similar between the two groups (13.4% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.788). Pneumothorax decompression rate (17.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001) was higher in the forgotten cohort group and measures for bleeding control (15.2% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.001) and pelvic belt application (2.9% vs. 13.1% p < 0.001) were more common in the life-threating injury group.ConclusionChest decompression rates and measures for early hemorrhage control are areas for potential improvement in prehospital care.

Numerical analysis of the effects of padded pelvic belts as a treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Pain related to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) accounts for low back pain in 15%-30% of patients. One of the most common treatment options is the use of pelvic belts. Various types of pelvic belts exist; however, the mechanisms underlying treatment and their effectiveness remain unclear to date. To analyze stress distribution in the pelvis when a pelvic rubber belt or a padded pelvic belt is applied, to assess the effectiveness of treatment from a numerical biomechanical perspective. The pressure distribution at the pelvic belts was measured using a device and subsequently modeled with the finite element method of a pelvis with soft tissues. The stress environment when wearing a pelvic belt in a double-leg stance was simulated. With the application of pelvic belts, the innominate bone rotated outward, which was termed an out-flare. This caused the SIJ to compress and cause reduction in sacrotuberous, sacrospinous, interosseous, and posterior sacroiliac ligament loading. Padded pelvic belts decreased the SIJ displacement to a greater extent than in pelvic rubber belts. Pelvic belts aid in compressing the SIJ and reduce its mobility.

Physical Therapy Aspects on Diabetic Female Osteoporosis Complication

Abstract Osteoporosis is a disease that affects over 40 percent of women over the age of 50. The diabetes-osteoporosis relationship is complex and still incompletely elucidated, despite numerous studies conducted in recent decades(1). The influence of diabetes on bone tissue differs, however, between the forms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the main aspects of the physical therapy in the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic osteoporosis in females, in the context of proper guidance and an appropriate exercise program. After 35 years of age, the bone continuously loses its substance, a normal and natural phenomenon with the aging. However, this loss can become a serious problem if the initial "bone reserve" was too low or if the bone loss is done too quickly, and especially after the menopause. The result is an increased risk of fracture, either by a normal fall, like in the wrist or hip, or by a moderate lifting effort, as in the case of the vertebrae. Insufficient physical activity, sedentarism, obesity or low body weight, metabolic disorders with absorption deficits lead to demineralization and bone marrow scarring. So, an appropriate exercise program under the auspices of: resistance, posture, balance, are targets that can activate osteoblast in the process of deposition and collagen construction in the bone matrix. A good exercise program in the prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis consists of exercise, posture and balance exercises designed for both upper and lower limbs, but also for abdominal and pelvic belts.

Comparison of standing, side bending and awake supine manual traction dynamic radiographs for predicting spinal flexibility with postoperative correction rate in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to compare awake supine manual traction radiograph with standing side bending radiograph in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and to analyze, which one among them is the best predictor of spinal flexibility index in varying degrees of AIS curves with minimal to severe Cobb angle. Materials and Methods: AIS patients, who underwent surgery during the period from 2015 to 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Supine manual traction anteroposterior radiograph were taken with the patient in the supine position, with traction applied by a person with the head halter at the chin and counter traction applied with pelvic belt, leg straps. Patients were divided into three groups A, B, and C based on Cobb angle of the major structural curve. Patients with Cobb angles between 40° to 65°, 65° to 90°, and more than 90° were included in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Flexibility indices obtained from both traction and bending radiographs were correlated with percent change in Cobb angle correction post-surgery. Statistical analysis was done to find Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between variables and results were tabulated. Results: There were 36, 16, and 16 patients in Group A, B, and C, respectively. The mean age of the cohort was 13.38 years. Group A had a positive correlation to traction radiographs (r = + 0.188, P = 0.455). Group B had a statistically significant positive correlation to bending radiographs (r = + 0.729, P = 0.04). A statistically significant positive correlation with traction radiographs (r = + 0.769, P = 0.016) was seen in Group C. Conclusion: Awake supine manual traction radiographs reveal better flexibility index in severe stiff (Cobb more than 90°) curves. In moderately stiffer curves (Cobb 65°–90°) standing side bending radiographs provide a better flexibility index than traction radiographs. Supine manual traction radiographs should always accompany bending radiographs in evaluating AIS patients, especially with severe stiff curves.

Hereditary Multiple Exostoses: A Case Report

Background: Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME) is a rare bone disease, usually associated with deformity and pressure symptoms. It is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of benign tumors growing outward from the metaphyses of long bones and can lead to considerable psychosocial problems. Thus, We report a rare case of HME with some peculiar features, in a 16- year-old Moroccan pupil, manifested with a six year history of multiple swellings on the trunk, the pelvic and scapular belt, and both upper and lower limbs, with no sign of malignancy or pressure symptoms. The patient had also a family history of similar swellings. Radiological findings showed the presence of multiple exostoses in these localisations. Biopsy of one of the lesions confirmed the presence of osteochondroma on histopathology. Though rare, HME do occur in our environment. The treatment is individualized, with small asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic lesions followed up and only supportive care provided. Larger symptomatic lesions may cause major physical handicap and may be resected.

Comparing the Effects of Lumbar-pelvic and Pelvic Belts on the Activity of Pelvic Muscles in Pregnant Women With Back and Pelvic Pain

Objective The physical and hormonal changes occur in pregnant women, which may cause skeletal and muscular discomforts and back and pelvic pain. If the pelvic muscles mechanism is damaged, pelvic joints may have less stability, and the joint is more exposed to shearing force. As a result of this condition, the activity pattern of these muscles of the lumbar region may change, increased muscle activity compensates for the anterior forces, and bending moments may occur, especially when the abdomen volume is increased. In previous studies, the activity of pelvic muscles in the test of active straight leg raise (ASLR) was evaluated in pregnant women without using a pelvic belt. These belts are strapped at the level of the pelvic ring and do not fully support the lumbar region. The lumbar-pelvic belt can extend below the lower angle of the scapula, completely covering the lumbar region and supporting the waist and pelvis simultaneously. As a result, the whole body acts as a unit compared to a pelvic belt. The present study aims to compare the effect of the lumbar-pelvic belt with the pelvic belt in the activity of the pelvic muscles during the ASLR test of the lower limb in pregnant women with back and pelvic pain. Materials &amp; Methods This was a clinical trial study on 48 pregnant women with pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain referred to the Kawsar Specialized and Subspecialty Clinic in Arak City, Iran. The sampling method was convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion. All participants completed the written consent form, and then they were randomly divided into three groups: lumbar-pelvic belt (14 women), pelvic belt (14 women), and control (20 women). First, a demographic questionnaire was completed by the participants. Then the pelvic muscles’ muscle activity was evaluated using surface electromyography during the ASLR test at the beginning of the study and then three weeks later. Covariance analysis was used in SPSS version 26 software for data analysis, and the significance level was considered 0.05. Results After three weeks of using the devices, the activity of the right rectus femoris, left rectus femoris, right biceps femoris, and left biceps femoris muscles decreased in both groups who used the belts and increased in the control group during the ASLR test. The activity of the right biceps femoris and left biceps femoris muscles in the lumbar-pelvic belt group was significantly reduced compared to the pelvic belt group (P&lt;0.001). Although the activity level of the right rectus femoris and left rectus femoris muscles in the lumbar-pelvic belt group decreased more than the pelvic belt group, this decrease was not statistically significant. Conclusion The activity of the rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles during the ASLR test decreased in both groups using the pelvic belts and increased in the control group after three weeks. This finding shows the effect of both pelvic belts on improving pelvic muscle activity. However, the lumbar-pelvic belt had a greater impact on improving the activity of the biceps femoris muscles than the pelvic belt during the ASLR test.

Features of the skeleton of the girdle of the pelvic limb of the sable of the Black Pushkin breed in the age aspect

The study of the main morphophysiological parameters of mammalian loco- motor apparatus organs in the age aspect is an important and urgent problem for modern biology and morphology. The development and formation of the pelvic limb skeleton are determined by the living conditions of animals. Fur-bearing animals of natural populations have progressive and harmonious growth and development of long tubular bones in propor- tion to age, but the conditions of the cellular regime make significant adjustments to the morphogenetic transformations of the studied somatic system. The purpose of the study is to study the features of the skeleton of the pelvic limb belt bones of the sable of the black Pushkin breed in the age aspect and to establish the morphometric characteristics of this area. The study was conducted at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Cadaver material for the study was delivered to the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine from the fur farming of the Leningrad region. The objects for this study were the corpses of the black Pushkin sable breed of two age groups: 15-20 months from birth (physi- ological maturity) and 36-40 months from birth (puberty) in the amount of eight pieces in each group. To achieve this task, a complex of traditional anatomical research methods was used: fine anatomical dissection, maceration, photographing and morphometry. When describing anatomical terms, the International Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature (fifth edition) was used. The measurement was carried out with an electronic vernier caliper Orbit OT-INM02 with a division scale of 0.01 mm, manufactured in Russia. The features of the skeleton of the pelvic limb girdle in the age aspect and morphometric characteristics of the bones of this area in the sable of the black Pushkin breed are established

Management of high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries: A retrospective cohort study evaluating an institutional protocol

IntroductionHigh-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries with hemodynamic instability are complicated by a high mortality rate (up to 32%). There is no consensus on the best management strategy for these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the high-energy blunt pelvic ring injury management protocol implemented in the authors’ institution. Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed in an academic level I trauma center. The institutional protocol incorporates urgent pelvic mechanical stabilization of hemodynamically unstable patients not responding to a pelvic belt, fluids, and transfusions. If hemodynamic instability persists, angiography ± embolization is performed. Adult patients sustaining a high-energy blunt pelvic ring injury between 2014.01.01 and 2019.12.31 were included in the study. The primary outcome was mortality at 1, 2, 30 and 60 days. The secondary outcomes were the number of packed red blood cell units transfused during the first 24 h, intensive care unit stay, and total hospitalization length of stay. Results192 high-energy blunt pelvic ring injury patients were analyzed. Of these, 71 (37%) were hemodynamically unstable, and 121 (63%) were stable. The overall in-hospital mortality of the hemodynamically unstable and stable groups was 20/71 (28.2%) and 4/121 (3.3%) respectively (p<0.001). Cumulative mortality rates for hemodynamically unstable patients were 15.5% at day 1, 16.9% at day 2, 26.8% at day 30 and 28.2% at day 60, and for hemodynamically stable patients, rates were 0% at day 1 and 2, 2.5% at day 30 and 3.3% at day 60. Unstable patients required a higher number of packed red blood cell units than stable patients during the first 24 h (5.1 vs. 0.1; p<0.001). Intensive care unit length of stay and total hospitalization duration was 11.25 and 37.4 days for unstable patients and 1.9 and 20.9 days for stable patients (p<0.001). ConclusionsFor both hemodynamically unstable and stable patients, the institutional protocol showed favorable mortality rates when compared to available literature. Comparative studies are needed to determine the management strategies with the best clinical outcome and survival.

Redistributing Ground Reaction Forces During Squatting Using a Cable-Driven Robotic Device.

Squatting is a dynamic task that is often done for strengthening and improving balance. Most squat training systems partially support body weight. However, one of the benefits of a squat exercise is efficiently distributing the body weight among the feet while maintaining stability. Several studies have shown how squatting and redistributing body weight among the feet can improve balance. The goals of this study are: (i) to show a robotic device that is transparent for studying human behavior during the squatting task, (ii) to investigate how ground reaction forces can be altered among the feet by applying a pelvic force during squatting. Seven able bodied adults underwent three squat conditions, squatting eight times per test. The first two conditions are a baseline set of squats followed by the third condition where participants received a constant lateral force on their pelvis. We use a cable-driven Robotic Upright Stand Trainer, RobUST, to deliver the lateral force on a pelvic belt. The lateral force was 5% of participants' body weight. Results show that a lateral force on the pelvis can significantly redistribute participants' ground reaction forces by increasing the symmetry index from 11.2% to 35.7% and increasing the lateral center of pressure amplitude from.07 to 0.18. The results also show that the pelvic lateral force did not add variability to the natural squat motion between repetitions, as measured by the coefficient of variability. These results are promising for future squat training paradigms to redistribute ground reaction forces and encourage specific weight distribution patterns.

The Efficacy of Lumbar Support on Pain, Disability, and Motor Control in Women With Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPregnancy-related posterior pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is one of the most important clinical manifestations of postpartum back pain. Those affected often complain of discomfort during daily activities. It is hypothesized that altered motor control is associated with perceived pain. Pelvic support can regulate possible underlying altered motor control mechanisms and decrease pain. However, the influence of a lumbosacral orthosis, which is broader support that allows for a wider contact area and more skin sensory stimulation to restore proper motor function, has not yet been investigated in women with postpartum PPGP.ObjectiveThis study investigates the efficacy of broader lumbar support and narrower pelvic support on pain, proprioception, disability, and muscle strength in women with pregnancy-related PPGP.MethodsThis study will be a single-center, 3-armed, participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial. In total, 84 women diagnosed with pregnancy-related PPGP will be recruited and randomly assigned into 3 groups. Intervention groups A and B will receive pelvic and lumbar supports, respectively. Group C (control) will receive only a patient education leaflet containing advice on strengthening exercises, comfortable positions, and other practical information. The study outcomes are pain, effort score during the active straight leg raising test, maximum isometric hip flexion force, maximum isometric hip external rotation force, maximum isometric trunk rotation force, and joint position reproduction of hip abduction. The study outcomes will be measured at 4 time points: baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), 4 weeks following interventions began (at this time, the intervention period is completed) (T3), and 1 week after discontinuing the interventions (T4) to evaluate the possible lasting effects of wearing supports. Multivariate analysis of variance will be used to test between- and within-group differences.ResultsRecruitment for this study will be started in summer 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of fall 2022.ConclusionsThis study will examine the efficacy of broader lumbar support as an early rehabilitative treatment for women receiving postpartum posterior pelvic pain support compared to those receiving a narrower pelvic support. We expect the broader lumbar support to impact pain management and disability better than the current narrower pelvic belt. Long-term follow-up studies will help determine whether such lumbosacral orthosis reduces pain and improves daily activities in women with pregnancy-related PPGP.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20150210021034N11; https://www.irct.ir/trial/54808International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/40553

Comparison of the Modified Lumbar Pelvic Belt with the Current Belt on Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnant Women.

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common problems for pregnant women during pregnancy. Most belts are designed for supporting the surface of the symphysis pubis or upper anterior iliac spine without any support in the lumbar region.Objective: This study aimed to compare the related effects between the new design and the current belt on the pain and function of pregnant women.Material and Methods: In this randomized control trial study, 48 pregnant women with pelvic and lumbar pain participated. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: current belt, modified belt, and control. Pain intensity assessment, pelvic girdle (PG), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaires were utilized at the beginning of the study and three weeks later.Results: The pain intensity decreased more in the modified belt group than in the current belt group. ODI and PG scores decreased in two belt groups after three weeks of follow-up. However, this decrease was greater in the modified belt group, there was no statistically significant difference.Conclusion: The disability decreased in both groups using the belts, and their function was improved. Accordingly, the use of a modified belt with lumbar and PG support can significantly reduce back and pelvic pain in pregnant women compared to the current pelvic belt.

Effect of a Pelvic Belt on the Hip Joint Flexion-Extension

身体機能の向上を目的とした健康機器や福祉装具の開発が行われており，その科学的根拠を解明することは健康福祉分野の研究開発や産業の発展に有用である．本研究は健康福祉製品の1つである骨盤ベルトが股関節屈伸運動へ及ぼす影響を徒手筋力測定によって明らかにすることを目的とした．健常成人男性10名を対象とし，骨盤ベルト装着時と未装着時の2条件で股関節屈伸の最大筋力測定をハンドヘルドダイナモメーターによって実施した．測定の結果，股関節伸展側の最大筋力が骨盤ベルト装着時に有意に増加した（p＝0.0019）．これにより，骨盤ベルト装着時に股関節伸展筋群の筋力が増加することが確認された．

Self-Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Based on a Rapid and Objective Sacroiliac Asymmetry Test: A Pilot Study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is common, costly, and disabling. This study assesses a novel and simple LBP evaluation method and its merit in guiding the direction of a self-treatment exercise.Methods: Randomized open-label intention is used to treat the study. Consecutive patients with LBP ≥ three months and pain ≥ 5/10 were evaluated in a Vancouver clinic with the sacroiliac forward flexion test (SIFFT) by comparing the height of posterior superior iliac spines using a level. Those with asymmetry ≥ 5 mm were offered participation. The assistant, who generated and encrypted the randomization, assigned participants: group 1 learned a two-minute, SIFFT-derived, sacroiliac-leveling exercise (SIFFT-E) as needed for LBP relief; group 2 used a pelvic stabilization belt as needed to prevent LBP, and group 3 continued the usual care. After one month, all participants used SIFFT-E and belt as needed for one month. The identifier number of this article in Clinicaltrials.gov is #NCT03888235. The trial is closed.Our primary outcome measure was the Oswestry disability index (ODI) (decrease) from baseline to one and two months. We also followed SIFFT improvement (decrease).Findings: Of 72 LBP patients, 62 (86%) had ≥ 5 mm asymmetry. From zero to one month, the 21 (one dropout) SIFFT-E participants outperformed the 20 usual care participants for ODI improvement (12.5 ± 14.8 vs. -3.4 ± 14.9 points; mean difference 15.9 [CI 6.7-25.0]; P = 0.002 with number needed to treat (NNT) of 3.0 for ODI improvement ≥ 11). Belt use results were intermediate. At two months, after all the 62 participants used the exercise and belt as needed, combined ODI improvements were clinically significant (12.0 ± 18.4 points), and SIFFT asymmetry was reduced by 8.6 ± 8.6 mm. Five (8%) exercise and 12 (19%) belt wearers experienced mild side effects.Interpretation: Sacroiliac asymmetry appears to be frequent. SIFFT may be clinically useful as an evaluation tool for prescribing a simple self-directed corrective exercise as seen by clinically significant improvements in function and asymmetry.