Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background:Delayed recovery of the upper extremity is one of major problems in stroke patients. Pelvic malalignment may be one of the contributing factors of poor upper limb recovery after stroke.Aim:Toinvestigate the relationship between pelvic alignment and motor recovery of the affected upper extremity in stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out over sixty male stroke patients.Their ages ranged from 40-65 years. Digital pelvic inclinometer, trunk impairment scale (TIS), and Fugel Meyer Assessment scale (FMA) were used to assess pelvic tilt angles (antero-posterior and lateral), trunk control and upper limb motor recovery respectively.Results:There was a significant negative correlation between lateral pelvic tilt and both mean valuesof TIS and FM-UE score.A significant negative correlation between anterior pelvic tilt of the affected side and mean valuesof TIS score was observed.There was a significant positive correlation betweenFM-UE and TIS score mean values (p<0.05). Conclusion:A significant relation exists between pelvic alignment, trunk control and motor recovery of the upper limb. So, restoration of normal pelvic alignment should be considered to reach successful outcomes in motor recovery in stroke patients

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