Trunk Range Of Motion Research Articles

Sex differences in kinematic adaptations to muscle fatigue induced by repetitive upper limb movements

BackgroundMuscle fatigue induced by repetitive movements contributes to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Men and women respond differently to muscle fatigue during isometric single-joint efforts, but sex differences during dynamic multi-joint tasks have not been clearly identified. Moreover, most studies comparing men and women during fatigue development assessed endurance time. However, none evaluated sex differences in kinematic adaptations to fatigue during multi-joint dynamic tasks. The objective of the study was to compare how men and women adapt their upper body kinematics during a fatiguing repetitive pointing task.MethodsForty men and 41 women performed repetitive pointing movements (one per second) between two targets while maintaining their elbow elevated at shoulder height. The task ended when participants rated a perceived level of fatigue of 8/10. Trunk, humerothoracic, and elbow angles were compared between the first and last 30 s of the experiment and between men and women. Linear positions of the index finger (distance from the target) and the elbow (arm elevation) as well as movement timing were documented as task performance measures.ResultsMen (7.4 ± 3.2 min) and women (8.3 ± 4.5 min) performed the repetitive pointing task for a similar duration. For both sex groups, trunk range of motion increased with fatigue while shoulder’s and elbow’s decreased. Moreover, participants modified their trunk posture to compensate for the decreased humerothoracic elevation. Movements at all joints also became more variable with fatigue. However, of the 24 joint angle variables assessed, only two Sex × Fatigue interactions were observed. Although average humerothoracic elevation angle decreased in both subgroups, this decrease was greater in men (standardized response mean [SRM] − 1.63) than in women (SRM − 1.44). Moreover, the movement-to-movement variability of humerothoracic elevation angle increased only in women (SRM 0.42).ConclusionDespite many similarities between men’s and women’s response to fatigue induced by repetitive pointing movements, some sex differences were observed. Those subtle differences may indicate that men’s shoulder muscles were more fatigued than women’s despite a similar level of perceived exertion. They may also indicate that men and women do not adapt the exact same way to a similar fatigue.

The use of gait analysis in the assessment of patients afflicted with spinal disorders.

Use gait analysis to establish and detail the clinically relevant components of normal human gait, analyze the gait characteristics for those afflicted with spinal pathology, and identify those aspects of human gait that correlate with pre- and postoperative patient function and outcomes. Twenty patients with adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS), 20 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), and 15 healthy volunteers performed over-ground gait trials with a comfortable self-selected speed using video cameras to measure patient motion, surface electromyography (EMG) to record muscle activity, and force plates to record ground reaction force (GRF). Gait distance and temporal parameters, ankle, knee, hip, pelvic, and trunk range of motion (ROM), duration of lower extremity EMG activity and peak vertical GRF were measured. Patients with ADS and CSM exhibited a significantly slower gait speed, decrease in step length, cadence, longer stride time, stance time, double support time, and an increase in step width compared to those in the control group. These patients also exhibited a significantly different ankle, knee, pelvic, and trunk ROM. Moreover, spinal disorder patients exhibited a significantly longer duration of rectus femoris, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscle activity along with an altered vertical GRF pattern. Gait analysis provides an objective measure of functional gait in healthy controls as well as those with ADS and CSM. This study established and detailed some of the important kinematic and kinetic variables of gait in patients with spinal disorders. We recommend that spine care providers use gait analysis as part of their clinical evaluation to provide an objective measure of function. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Effect of Thoracic Manipulation on Spinal Alignment, Pain and Trunk Range of Motion in a Patient With Mild Thoracic Scoliosis: A Case Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the thoracic spine manipulation on spinal alignment (Cobb angle), pain, and trunk range of motion (ROM) in a patient with mild thoracic scoliosis. The Cobb angle was 11.0° and there was a right deviation of the thoracic spine. The subject had thoracic and lumbar pain, and had felt stiffness during turning of the trunk for about 3 years. Thoracic manipulation was applied at the upper thoracic spine as a therapeutic intervention three times per week for 5 weeks. After intervention, the Cobb angle decreased from 11.0° to 5.5° and the pain score decreased from 4.0 to 1.5, and the trunk left rotation ROM increased from 30.0° to 41.5°, and trunk right rotation ROM increased from 26.0° to 39.0°. These results suggest that the thrust thoracic manipulation technique had a positive effect on the spinal alignment, pain and trunk rotation ROM in patients with mild scoliosis.

Effect of lumbar spinal fusion surgery on the association of self-report measures with objective measures of physical function

BackgroundSelf-report measures are used to evaluate surgery outcome but are not necessarily indicative of actual disabilities. Research questionThe aim of the present study was to determine the association between self-report assessments of quality of life and objective measures of function in patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative disease. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of lumbar spinal fusion surgery on this relationship. MethodsBefore and 6 month after surgery 26 patients completed self-report questionnaires and assessments of 3D gait analysis and trunk range of motion (ROM) during standing. ResultsBefore surgery, questionnaires were not correlated with any of the gait parameters and with only 2 trunk ROM parameters. Six month after surgery, the questionnaires showed 12 significant correlations with gait parameters and 19 with trunk ROM parameters. A better Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (r = 0.464, p = .026), EQ-5D (r = −0.440, p = .036), and EQ VAS (r = −0.472, p = .023) score were correlated with a reduced anterior thorax tilt during walking. Maximum forward flexion of the trunk during standing was correlated with a better EQ-5D (r = 0.684, p = .001) and ODI (r = −0.560, p = .008) score as well as with reduced pain scores. SignificanceThe lack of association between self-reported questionnaires and objective measures of function before surgery was likely due to psychological distress, correlating with emotional and cognitive function rather than true functional capacities. The influence of these psychological factors might be reduced after surgery due to a reduction of low back pain. To obtain an accurate assessment of impairment, there is a need to evaluate function by measuring objective physiologic parameters that are unsusceptible to voluntary or affective influences.

Asymmetrical trunk movement during walking improved to normal range at 3months after corrective posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

To investigate the effects of posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and curve type on upper body movements in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients during gait. Twenty-four girls (12-18years) with AIS underwent PSF. 3D-Gait-analyses were performed preoperatively, at 3months and 1year postoperatively. Mean position (0° represents symmetry) and range of motion (ROM) of the trunk (thorax-relative-to-pelvis) in all planes were assessed. Lower body kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters were also evaluated. Mean trunk position improved from 7.0° to 2.9° in transversal plane and from 5.0° to - 0.8° in frontal plane at 3months postoperative (p<0.001), and was maintained at 1year. Trunk ROM in transverse plane decreased from 9.6° to 7.5° (p<0.001) after surgery. No effects of PSF were observed on the lower body kinematics during the gait cycle. Patients with a double curve had a more axial rotated trunk before and after surgery (p=0.013). In AIS patients, during gait an evident asymmetrical position of the trunk improved to an almost symmetric situation already 3months after PSF and was maintained at 1year. Despite a reduction of trunk ROM, patients were able to maintain the same walking pattern in the lower extremities after surgery. This improvement of symmetry and maintenance of normal gait can explain the rapid recovery and well functioning in daily life of AIS patients, despite undergoing a fusion of large parts of their spine.

Anterior Trunk Mobility Does Not Predict Disability in Elderly Women With Acute Low Back Pain: Brazilian Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil) Study Results.

Cross-sectional, ancillary study of an international multicenter epidemiological study. To investigate the relationship of the anterior trunk mobility with self-report and physical performance measures in elderly women with acute low back pain (LBP). LBP is one of the most prevalent pain complaints in the elderly population. It is postulated that the increased range of motion of limited joints of the trunk may improve LBP and functionality of patients. Recent studies have, however, questioned the association between trunk range of motion and the functional status. The present study included a convenience sample of elderly women from the community aged 60 years and older who presented with a new (acute) episode of LBP. Volunteers with severe diseases and visual, hearing and mobility losses, or cognitive impairment were excluded. Trunk mobility was assessed by the fingertip-to-floor test. Functionality was assessed by the Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) and gait speed test. Statistical analysis was performed by using hierarchical linear regression model. Data from 459 elderly women, mean age of 69.0 (6.1) years old, were used to describe this report. The additional predictive value for the inclusion of independent variable trunk mobility was only 4.4% in the RMQ score and 1.5% in the gait speed test, respectively. A reduced hierarchical linear regression model showed that the significant predictors for RMQ and gait speed test were body mass index, pain intensity, and trunk mobility. This was the first study to investigate the relationship between trunk mobility and functionality in elderly women with acute LBP. The results suggest that these clinical parameters are independent from each other. N/A.

An exploration of strategies used by dressage horses to control moments around the center of mass when performing passage.

BackgroundLocomotion results from the generation of ground reaction forces (GRF) that cause translations of the center of mass (COM) and generate moments that rotate the body around the COM. The trot is a diagonally-synchronized gait performed by horses at intermediate locomotor speeds. Passage is a variant of the trot performed by highly-trained dressage horses. It is distinguished from trot by having a slow speed of progression combined with great animation of the limbs in the swing phase. The slow speed of passage challenges the horse’s ability to control the sagittal-plane moments around the COM. Footfall patterns and peak GRF are known to differ between passage and trot, but their effects on balance management, which we define here as the ability to control nose-up/nose-down pitching moments around the horse’s COM to maintain a state of equilibrium, are not known. The objective was to investigate which biomechanical variables influence pitching moments around the COM in passage.MethodsThree highly-trained dressage horses were captured by a 10-camera motion analysis system (120 Hz) as they were ridden in passage over four force platforms (960 Hz). A full-body marker set was used to track the horse’s COM and measure balance variables including total body center of pressure (COP), pitching moments, diagonal dissociation timing, peak force production, limb protraction–retraction, and trunk posture. A total of twenty passage steps were extracted and partial correlation (accounting for horse) was used to investigate significant (P < 0.05) relationships between variables.ResultsHindlimb mean protraction–retraction correlated significantly with peak hindlimb propulsive forces (R = 0.821; P < 0.01), mean pitching moments (R = 0.546, P = 0.016), trunk range of motion, COM craniocaudal location and diagonal dissociation time (P < 0.05).DiscussionPitching moments around the COM were controlled by a combination of kinematic and kinetic adjustments that involve coordinated changes in GRF magnitudes, GRF distribution between the diagonal limb pairs, and the moment arms of the vertical GRFs. The moment arms depend on hoof placements relative to the COM, which were adjusted by changing limb protraction–retraction angles. Nose-up pitching moments could also be increased by providing a larger hindlimb propulsive GRF.

MULTI-SEGMENTED TRUNK MOTION OF HEALTHY NON-ELDERLY ADULTS IN DIFFERENT DECADES OF LIFE.

Traditionally, gait analysis models the trunk as one rigid body segment. This approach has limitations; it does not capture all the movements of this area of the body throughout locomotion. Lower-extremity-gait kinematics do not routinely change in healthy non-elderly adults in different decades of life; however, it is unknown if trunk kinematics will be altered during different activities of daily living as a function of age. The purpose of this study was to determine if a previously validated multi-segmented trunk model would detect trunk movement variations in non-elderly healthy adults in different decades of life. Thirty-four non-elderly healthy adults in various decades of life (20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years) completed two tasks of ambulatory daily living (level walking and stair descent). Trunk maximum angle during the gait cycle, timing of the trunk maximum angle during the gait cycle and trunk range of motion were examined using analysis of variance procedures. Findings are that age group did not affect the trunk kinematics of individuals in different decades of life, but that may not represent the experiences of elderly individuals.

Use of dynamic movement orthoses to improve gait stability and trunk control in ataxic patients.

Patients with cerebellar ataxia show increased upper body movements, which have an impact on balance and walking. In this study, we investigated the effect of using dynamic movement orthoses (DMO), designed as elastic suits, on trunk motion and gait parameters. Longitudinal uncontrolled study. Outpatient rehabilitation unit. Eleven patients (7 men, 4 women; mean age: 49.9±9.5 years) with degenerative cerebellar ataxia were enrolled in this study. Linear overground gait of patients was recorded by means of an optoelectronic gait analysis system before DMO use (DMO-) and during DMO use (DMO+). Time-distance parameters, lower limb joint kinematics, body sway, trunk oscillations, and gait variability (coefficient of variation [CV]) were recorded. Patient satisfaction with DMO device was measured using Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology. When using the DMO, patients showed a significant decrease in stance phase duration, double support phase duration, swing phase CV, pelvic range of motion (ROM), body sway, and trunk ROMs. A significant increase was observed in the swing phase duration and knee joint ROM. Out of 11 patients, 10 were either quite satisfied (8 points) or very satisfied (2 points) with the assistive device. The DMO reduce the upper body motion and in improve balance-related gait parameters. We propose use of DMO as an assistive/rehabilitative device in the neurorehabilitation of cerebellar ataxia to improve the trunk control and gait stability. DMO may be considered a prototype that can be modified in terms of material characteristics, textile layers, elastic components, and diagonal and lateral seams.

Inclined Weight-Loaded Walking at Different Speeds: Pelvis-Shoulder Coordination, Trunk Movements and Cost of Transport

ABSTRACTAlthough studied at level surface, the trunk kinematics and pelvis-shoulder coordination of incline walking are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the speed effects on pelvis-shoulder coordination and trunk movement and the cost of transport (C) during unloaded and loaded (25% of body mass) 15% incline walking. We collected 3-dimensional kinematic and oxygen consumption data from 10 physically active young men. The movements were analyzed in the sagittal plane (inclination and range of trunk motion) and the transverse plane (range of shoulder and pelvic girdle motion and phase difference). The rotational amplitude of the shoulder girdle decreased with load at all speeds, and it was lower at the highest speeds. The rotational amplitude of the pelvic girdle did not change with the different speeds. The phase difference was greater at optimal speed (3 km.hr−1, at the lowest C) in the loaded and the unloaded conditions. The trunk inclination was greater with load and increased with speed, whereas the range of trunk motion was lower in the loaded condition and decreased with increasing speed. In conclusion, the load decreased the range of girdles and trunk motion, and the pelvis-shoulder coordination seemed to be critical for the incline walking performance.

The Role of the Trunk Control in Athletic Performance of a Reactive Change-of-Direction Task.

Edwards, S, Austin, AP, and Bird, SP. The role of the trunk control in athletic performance of a reactive change-of-direction task. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 126-139, 2017-Agility is vital to success in team sport competition with the trunk argued to play a key role in sport performance. This study explored the role of trunk control during a reactive change-of-direction task (R-COD) and field-based measures of athletic performance. Twenty male players completed field-based athletic performance assessments (modified Illinois agility test [mIAT], 3 repetition maximum back squat, and 5 countermovement jumps [CMJ]) and R-CODs, during which 3-dimensional ground reaction forces and kinematics were recorded. Trunk control was assessed as the sum of the trunk relative to the pelvis range of motion (ROM) in all 3 planes during the R-COD. Participants with the highest (HIGH, n = 7) and lowest (LOW, n = 7) trunk ROM values were grouped. The HIGH group achieved significantly shorter mIAT time duration, higher CMJ height, and lower knee flexion angles, greater trunk lateral flexion and rotation relative to pelvis, and greater angular momentum during the R-COD compared with the LOW group. Superior athletic performance was associated with decreased trunk control (high trunk ROM) during the R-COD. Although this study suggested that trunk control is a vital component of performance, it is unknown whether this trunk control is inherent or an effect of training history, nor does not support current optimal athletic performance recommendation of decreased trunk motion during R-COD.

Physical risk factors for low back pain among young sedentary individuals - A prospective study

Aims: To find the relationship of several physical risk factors on the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) over a period of 6 months among young sedentary individuals. Settings and Design: Yenepoya University, Mangaluru, India; prospective cohort design. Methods and Material: In this study, total number of 187 students of Yenepoya University, aged 18 to 30 years, with the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) score of less than 600 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes /week were recruited through convenience sampling. Participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), hamstring and iliopsoas muscle tightness, abdominal and back muscle strength and endurance, and trunk range of motion (ROM) at baseline. All measurements were taken by using standardized procedures. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution, Karl Pearson's correlation test by SPSS. Results: The Logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between low back pain and trunk flexion ROM with odds ratio of 1.671 (P

Isokinetic trunk flexion–extension protocol to assess trunk muscle strength and endurance: Reliability, learning effect, and sex differences

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and the learning effect of an isokinetic trunk flexion–extension protocol designed to simultaneously assess trunk muscle strength and endurance. In addition, the effect of the participants' sex on the reliability data was examined. MethodsFifty-seven healthy and physically active young men (n = 28) and women (n = 29) performed the isokinetic protocol 5 times, separated by a week between each of the first 4 sessions and by a month between the last 2 sessions. The protocol consisted of performing 4 trials of 15 maximum flexion–extension concentric exertions at 120°/s (range of trunk motion = 50°). The absolute and relative peak torque and total work were calculated to assess trunk flexion and extension strength. In addition, endurance ratio, modified endurance ratio, fatigue final ratio, recovery ratio, and modified recovery ratio variables were used for the assessment of trunk muscle endurance in both directions. ResultsRegarding the absolute reliability, no relevant changes were found between paired-comparison sessions for most strength and endurance variables, except for total work and relative total work variables in the flexion movement in both sexes. In addition, the typical error of the isokinetic variables was lower than 10% in both males and females, and minimum detectable changes ranged from 7% to 20%, with a tendency to be higher in females and in endurance variables. The strength variables showed high-to-excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; >0.74); however, for the endurance variables only the endurance ratio and the modified endurance ratio obtained moderate-to-high ICC values (0.57 < ICC < 0.82). In addition, the analysis of the variance reported no significant differences between consecutive pairs of sessions for most variables in both sexes. ConclusionOverall, these findings provide clinicians, trainers, and researchers with a 10-min single-session protocol to perform a reliable muscle strength and endurance evaluation of trunk flexor and extensor muscles, all within the same protocol.

Diagnostic value of trunk flexion-extension testing in old chronic low back pain patients.

Dynamic trunk flexion-extension testing has been proven to objectively diagnose low back pain in persons under the age of 60years but older persons have difficulty complying with standardized movement velocity. 190 patients and 71 matched healthy volunteers (18-90years of age) performed modified testing by holding static positions at standing, half, and full trunk flexion. Lumbar extensor muscle activity in isometric positions was significantly higher in patients with higher activity in the oldest (60-90years) and the middle-aged (40-59years) but not in the youngest (18-39years) subgroups compared to normal. There were no differences in gross trunk range of motion, half flexion relaxation ratio, proprioception, muscle activity differences between positions, and fear-avoidance behavior. The diagnostic accuracy as expressed by the area under the curve was fair (0.74). Lumbar extensor muscle activity demonstrated moderate to good diagnostic value in old patients.

Asymmetric trunk range of motion in college female students with low back pain

Asymmetric trunk range of motion in college female students with low back pain

Production and purification of virus particles for the use in cancer therapy

Coordinated bodily balance is necessary to prevent falls, where postural sway and/or body inflexibility should be relevant. We aimed to assess postural sway and flexibility in patients with schizophrenia and identify clinical characteristics.Postural sway (length and range of trunk motion, and Romberg ratio) and flexibility (anteflexion in sitting) were measured in schizophrenia. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Drug Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) were used for the assessment of psychopathology and extrapyramidal symptoms, respectively. Characteristics associated with postural sway and flexibility were examined with regression analysis. A total of 100 patients (68 men, mean ± S.D. age: 49.3 ± 13.8 years, PANSS score: 83.4 ± 15.1, DIEPSS score: 2.2 ± 2.2) participated in this study. The anteflexion in sitting was not significantly correlated with length of trunk motion, range of trunk motion, or Romberg ratio. Postural instability was associated with higher DIEPSS overall severity score and PANSS positive symptoms. A significant correlation was also found between less flexibility and increased PANSS negative symptoms. In conclusion, flexibility and postural stability might be regarded as separate elements of physical fitness in schizophrenia. Prospective exercise intervention would be worthy of investigation to enhance postural stability and flexibility in an effort to prevent falls.

Clinical, physical, and radiographic analyses of lumbar degenerative kyphosis and spondylolisthesis among community-based cohort.

To investigate longitudinal radiographic changes, and physical characteristics of lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK) and spondylolisthesis (DS). Two-hundred eighty nine community-based female subjects were recruited from population register and studied longitudinally for a mean 12.3years. Upright entire spine radiographs were used to evaluate spinopelvic parameters, including lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), and vertebral slip (% slip). Physical measurements included lumbar range of motion (ROM), isometric trunk muscle strength, and photometric gait posture using change in trunk inclination angle (dTIA). Subjects' mean age (standard deviation: SD) was 56.9 (10.0) years at baseline and 68.5 (9.2) years at the final follow-up. Among 202 subjects who could perform instructed physical measurements, DS, defined as more than 5% slip, was found in 50 subjects (24.8%), and LDK, defined as LL of less than 1SD of mean value (<24.4°), was found in 24 subjects (11.9%). DS subjects showed a significant weakness in trunk flexor strength (normal 282.5±73.0N vs. DS 245.5±75.5N, p=0.0219), and LDK subjects showed significant differences in: trunk extensor strength (normal 493.4±172.8N vs. LDK 386.3±167.6N, p=0.0066), ROM, and dTIA (normal 3.5°±2.7° vs. LDK 7.6°±4.8°, p<0.0001). PI was significantly larger in DS and smaller in LDK than normal subjects (normal 53.8°±9.9° vs. DS 58.2°±10.6°, p=0.0111; normal vs. LDK 48.4°±9.2°, p=0.0191). Current study showed that DS was associated with reduced trunk flexor strength, which might increase pelvic anteversion, and LDK was associated with reduced extensor strength, ROM, and ambulatory kyphosis. Physical characteristics should be evaluated for the successful management of adult spinal deformity.

The effects of taping, stretching, and joint exercise on hip joint flexibility and range of motion.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of joint exercise, taping, and stretching on hip joint flexion, flexibility, and range of motion. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-five college students in their 20s were randomly assigned and equally divided into three groups, as follows: a stretching group, a taping and exercise group, and an exercise group. Changes in trunk range of motion and hip joint flexibility of the three groups were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] Comparison between flexibility before and after the intervention revealed statistically significant changes in all three groups. Moreover, the evaluation of joint range of motion after the intervention showed that there were statistically significant changes in all three groups. [Conclusion] Taping, stretching, and joint exercise are considered effective for the increase in flexibility and joint range of motion.

Range of Motion Requirements for Upper-Limb Activities of Daily Living.

We quantified the range of motion (ROM) required for eight upper-extremity activities of daily living (ADLs) in healthy participants. Fifteen right-handed participants completed several bimanual and unilateral basic ADLs while joint kinematics were monitored using a motion capture system. Peak motions of the pelvis, trunk, shoulder, elbow, and wrist were quantified for each task. To complete all activities tested, participants needed a minimum ROM of -65°/0°/105° for humeral plane angle (horizontal abduction-adduction), 0°-108° for humeral elevation, -55°/0°/79° for humeral rotation, 0°-121° for elbow flexion, -53°/0°/13° for forearm rotation, -40°/0°/38° for wrist flexion-extension, and -28°/0°/38° for wrist ulnar-radial deviation. Peak trunk ROM was 23° lean, 32° axial rotation, and 59° flexion-extension. Full upper-limb kinematics were calculated for several ADLs. This methodology can be used in future studies as a basis for developing normative databases of upper-extremity motions and evaluating pathology in populations.

Postural sway and flexibility in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: A cross-sectional study.

Coordinated bodily balance is necessary to prevent falls, where postural sway and/or body inflexibility should be relevant. We aimed to assess postural sway and flexibility in patients with schizophrenia and identify clinical characteristics. Postural sway (length and range of trunk motion, and Romberg ratio) and flexibility (anteflexion in sitting) were measured in schizophrenia. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Drug Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) were used for the assessment of psychopathology and extrapyramidal symptoms, respectively. Characteristics associated with postural sway and flexibility were examined with regression analysis. A total of 100 patients (68 men, mean ± S.D. age: 49.3 ± 13.8 years, PANSS score: 83.4 ± 15.1, DIEPSS score: 2.2 ± 2.2) participated in this study. The anteflexion in sitting was not significantly correlated with length of trunk motion, range of trunk motion, or Romberg ratio. Postural instability was associated with higher DIEPSS overall severity score and PANSS positive symptoms. A significant correlation was also found between less flexibility and increased PANSS negative symptoms. In conclusion, flexibility and postural stability might be regarded as separate elements of physical fitness in schizophrenia. Prospective exercise intervention would be worthy of investigation to enhance postural stability and flexibility in an effort to prevent falls.