Abstract
OBJECTIVE: A lack of standardized methods for evaluating postural abnormalities hinders treatment progress. The role of pelvic lateral shift (PLS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PwP) exhibiting lateral trunk flexion (LTF) remains unclear. We hypothesized that PLS is related to LTF and investigated its characteristics and relationship with the LTF angle. METHODS: PwP attending outpatient rehabilitation (March 2018-March 2023) were assessed via still images. The PLS direction, its relationship with the LTF angle, and the LTF angle on the PLS side were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 158 patients, PLS was contralateral in 80 (50.6%), ipsilateral in 43 (27.2%), and absent in 35 (22.2%). In the contralateral PLS, but not in the ipsilateral PLS, the PLS angle was correlated with the LTF angle (r=0.48, p<0.001). The LTF angle was greater in the contralateral shift (8.5°±9.6°) than in the ipsilateral shift (2.8°±4.2°, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the positive relationship between the LTF angle and contralateral shift angle, evaluation criteria that include PLS are needed for PwP with LTF.