Normal kinematics of the lumbar spine and pelvis.

A study was undertaken to provide a data base of pelvic and lumbar spinal movement during walking. The movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine in 48 male volunteers of age range 16 to 74 years were measured using a television/computer motion analysis system. The results were presented both as a range of movement in each plane and as a wave pattern for the movement in each plane. Cadence, the movements of the pelvis and spine in the sagittal plane, and the movement of the pelvis in the transverse plane all showed a negative correlation with age. Analysis of the wave patterns showed that the movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine relate to identifiable events in the gait cycle.