Research describing pelvifemoral rhythm: a systematic review

Abstract

[Purpose] This systematics review was undertaken to synthesize what is known regarding pelvifemoral rhythm, that is, the coordinated flexion of the thigh and posterior tilting of the pelvis during hip flexion (HF). [Methods] Three databases were searched. [Results] Nine relevant articles were identified via independent database searches and a hand search by the authors. The articles were consistent in showing that pelvifemoral rhythm underlies the HF motion under conditions as varied as passive unilateral flexion while supine and active bilateral flexion while hanging from a bar. Posterior pelvic tilting, which begins early during HF, contributes between 13.1% to 37.5% of total HF. Pelvic tilting and HF excursions are highly correlated (r=0.89 to 1.00). [Conclusions] Pelvifemoral rhythm is present to varying degrees during hip flexion under diverse conditions.

Effect of Hamstring Stretching on Pelvic Angle and Biofeedback Pressure during Passive Straight Leg Raising

“…5-8, 10, 11 In the current study, both biofeedback pressure and pelvic angle began to increase after 10° of PSLR in most subjects. As previously reported, [21][22][23] the results of the current study suggest that measuring the range of hip flexion as the thigh angle relative to the horizontal plane at the point of perceived onset of the lumbopelvic movement is inappropriate. Thus, clinicians need to be aware of the concurrent pelvifemoral rhythm when measuring the range of hip flexion.…”

Relationships among lumbar hip motion angle, perceptual awareness, and low back pain in young adults

“…Several researchers have examined the kinematic characteristics of the lumbar spine in individuals with low back pain in order to develop appropriate treatments for low back pain 3 , 4 , 5 ) . The hip joint is known to have a close relationship with the lumbar region, and they complement each other’s functions, which are recognized as the lumbopelvic and pelvifemoral rhythms 6 , 7 ) . When the range of motion of the lumbar spine is reduced, the hip joint moves in a compensatory manner; conversely, when the range of motion of the hip joint is reduced, the lumbar joint moves significantly to secure the overall movement angle and distribute the stretching load associated with the motion.…”

Relationship between iliopsoas muscle thickness and hip angle during squats in different pelvic positions

“…Hip and lumbar movements are intimately interconnected and closely coordinated, and the association between hip and lumbar motion is widely known as the lumbopelvic rhythm 1,2) and pelvifemoral rhythm 3) via the pelvis. Failure of the lumbopelvic rhythm or pelvifemoral rhythm results in excessive loading of the lumbar and hip joints, leading to injury 4,5) .…”