Relationships among Thoracic Lateral Deviation, Thoracic Shape, and Lateral Tilt Angle of the Shank in the Stance Phase of Gait

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships among thoracic lateral deviation, asymmetry of the thoracic shape, and asymmetry of the lateral tilt angle of the shank in the stance phase of gait. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 18 healthy males. The measurement items were the thoracic lateral deviation and asymmetry of the thoracic shape at standing rest, and the change of the outer tilt angle of the shank in the stance phase of gait. The cohort was divided into an all subjects group (n=18), a left deviation group (n=15), and a right deviation group (n=3) based on the degree of thoracic lateral deviation. [Results] In the all subjects group, the change of the outer tilt angle of the shank was significantly larger on the right side than on the left side in the early stance phase, and the same significant difference was observed in the left deviation group in both the early and late stance phases. In the late stance phase, the change of the outer tilt angle of the shank negatively correlated with the thoracic lateral deviation and positively correlated with the asymmetry of the lower thoracic shape. [Conclusion] These results suggest that increases of thoracic lateral deviation and asymmetry of the lower thoracic shape elicit greater outward movement of the shank on the right side.

Analysis of the asymmetry of thoracic shape at rest: relationship with lateral thoracic deviation

“…Therefore, the results of this study suggest that postural changes in the frontal plane are one of the factors in the mechanism of the formation of left-right asymmetry in thorax shape. Komuro et al also reported asymmetry of thorax shape and lateral deviation of the thorax in healthy individuals 15 ) . However, the relationship between asymmetry of thorax shape and lateral deviation of the thorax has not been reported, and we believe this is a new finding in this study.…”

Relationship between the thoracic asymmetry in standing position and the asymmetry of ankle moment in the frontal plane during gait

“…Based on previous studies [1][2][3][4] , we expect that thoracic asymmetry causes asymmetry of the IAMF during gait. Although it is necessary to collect data on the disease to apply this hypothesis to clinical practice, it is expected that many factors, such as pain and deformity, may affect the disease outcome.…”

“…Thoracic movement is composed of rib and the thoracic spine movements, which perform important roles in the respiration and postural stability. In recent years, several studies have focused on the thoracic lateral deviation (TLD) and asymmetry of the thoracic shape in the resting position and investigated their relationship with physical function 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) . Based on a significant correlation between the asymmetry of the thoracic shape and respiratory function, Hirayama et al 1 ) suggested that the greater the asymmetry of the thoracic shape, the lower the respiratory function.…”

“…These previous studies suggested that thoracic asymmetry (the TLD and asymmetry of the thoracic shape) causes impaired respiration and motor function by causing asymmetry in the local muscle activity of the trunk. Although these studies 1 , 2 , 3 ) investigated static tasks such as forced breathing and supine motions, another study 4 ) that focused on gait and investigated the relationship between thoracic asymmetry and the asymmetry of lower extremity movements. We previously reported that the TLD and asymmetry of the thoracic shape in standing position were significantly correlated with the asymmetry of the lateral tilt angle of the shank during gait 4 ) .…”

“…Although these studies 1 , 2 , 3 ) investigated static tasks such as forced breathing and supine motions, another study 4 ) that focused on gait and investigated the relationship between thoracic asymmetry and the asymmetry of lower extremity movements. We previously reported that the TLD and asymmetry of the thoracic shape in standing position were significantly correlated with the asymmetry of the lateral tilt angle of the shank during gait 4 ) . Although these results suggest that thoracic asymmetry affects the mediolateral control of the ankle during gait, these associations have not been clarified to date.…”