Does a pelvic belt influence sacroiliac joint laxity?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of different positions and tensions of a pelvic belt on sacroiliac joint laxity in healthy young women.


BACKGROUND
Clinical experience has shown that positive effects can be obtained with different positions and tensions of a pelvic belt. A functional approach to the treatment of the unstable pelvic girdle requires an understanding of the effect of a pelvic belt on a normal pelvic girdle.


METHODS
Sacroiliac joint laxity was assessed with Doppler imaging of vibrations. The influence of two different positions (low: at the level of the symphysis and high: just below the anterior superior iliac spines) and tensions (50 and 100 N) of a pelvic belt was measured in ten healthy subjects, in the prone position. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Tension does not have a significant influence on the amount by which sacroiliac joint laxity with belt differs from sacroiliac joint laxity without belt. A significant effect was found for the position of the pelvic belt. Mean sacroiliac joint laxity value was 2.2 (SD, 0.2) threshold units nearer to the without-belt values when the belt was applied in low position as compared to the case with the belt in high position.


CONCLUSIONS
A pelvic belt is most effective in a high position, while a tension of 100 N does not reduce laxity more than 50 N.


CONCLUSIONS
Information about the biomechanical effects of a pelvic belt provided by this study will contribute to a better understanding of the treatment of women with pregnancy-related pelvic pain.
Damen
Léonie
L
Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. leoniedamen@hotmail.com
Spoor
Cornelis W
CW
Snijders
Chris J
CJ
Stam
Henk J
HJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000517:prevention & control; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D016684:Prone Position; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000502:physiology*