Effect of Pelvic Compression on the Stability of Pelvis and Relief of Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Women: A Case Series

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pelvic compression in female patients with sacroiliac joint pain on: 1. the electromyographic [EMG] activity of muscles stabilizing the pelvis and 2. active straight leg raising [ASLR] score and its duration.

Methods

Surface EMG recordings were taken from the rectus abdominus, external and internal oblique, erector spinae, gluteos maximus, adductor longus, and biceps femoris while patients performed ASLR in supine, with or without pelvis compression [50 Newton]. The ASLR score and duration were also recorded.

Results

Pelvic compression significantly reduced the EMG activity from six muscles. The EMG normalized root mean square values declined during pelvic compression by 11 to 55 percent compared with those without compression. Reduction in normalized root mean square values was significant [P  ≤  0.01] for internal and external oblique muscles, and substantial for adductor longus [P  ≤  0.06]. Patients reported significantly lower ASLR scores [P  ≤  0.05] with pelvic compression than without. The ASLR duration under the test conditions, however, varied insignificantly [P  ≤  0.76], regardless of the pelvic compression.

Conclusion

The results suggest that pelvic compression can improve both the motor control and stability of the pelvis, while reducing joint pain in women suffering from sacroiliac joint symptoms.

Keywords:

• Pelvic compression
• ASLR
• sacroiliac joint pain
• EMG

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors acknowledge the assistance of the faculty and staff of the School of Rehabilitation, TUMS, particularly Dr. H. Mazaheri for patient referral and providing invaluable advice.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST The authors report no conflict of interest.  This study was supported by a grant [#132.121] from Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS].