An attempt to improve gait in patients with hip disorders using optimal variable asymmetry exercises

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11291
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Science
• Principal Investigator: Katoh Hiroshi 山形県立保健医療大学, 保健医療学部, 教授 (90368712)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 変形性股関節症 / 非対称性歩行 / 非対称性指数

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examined the left-right asymmetry of trunk and limb movements during natural walking in healthy individuals and patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The results showed a significant reduction in the pelvic rotation angle (S2) in the OA group compared to the control group. Regarding the arm flexion-extension angle, a significant reduction was observed in both arms of the OA group compared to the control group. In terms of the Asymmetry Index (ASI) of spinal rotation angles, a significant reduction was found at the sacrum (S2) in the OA group compared to the control group, while no significant differences were observed at the thoracic vertebrae (T7) and lumbar vertebrae (L3). For the ASI of arm flexion-extension angles, the OA group showed a significant reduction compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the reduced rotation angle of the sacrum (S2) in the OA group may influence the reduction in arm swing angle.

Free Research Field

理学療法

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

下肢運動器疾患の理学療法では，患側を健側の動きに近づけることが治療目標とされる．しかし，静的姿勢制御において左右対称性は，身体重心（COG）を支持基底面内に安定して留めるには有利だが，歩行動作等の動的姿勢制御では，COGは支持基底面内に存在せず，不安定環境を作り出すことで効率よくCOGを前方へ移動させている．つまり，エネルギー効率から見た場合，「適度」な変動的非対称性運動は，効率的な歩行動作をする上で重要な機能である．本研究では，健常者とOA患者の非対称性歩行動作の特徴が示された．今後の理学療法では，最適な非対称性歩行の獲得を目指した新しい視点での歩行練習の確立が求められる．