Background: The range of pelvic tilt is one of modifiable risk factors in preventing the lower back pain.
Objects: The purpose of this study were to compare the range of pelvic tilt motion by testing position and sex.
Methods: One hundred five young adults (61 females and 44 males) agreed to participate in measuring the anterior and posterior pelvic tilt with the PALM (Palpation Meter) in sitting and standing. The range of pelvic tilt motion was defined as the difference between the pelvic anterior and posterior tilt angles.
Results: In general, the anterior pelvic tilt was greater (p < 0.01) in standing than in sitting and the posterior pelvic tilt was lesser (p < 0.01) in sitting than in standing. The anterior pelvic tilt in sitting and standing was greater (p < 0.01) in the females than in the males. However, the effect of sex on the posterior pelvic tilt was only significant in sitting (p < 0.01), but not in standing (p = 0.78). The range of pelvic tilt was greater (p = 0.03) in sitting but not significantly (p = 0.07) affected by the sex.
Conclusion: The pelvic tilt motion in these young adults showed large variability and further studies are needed to understand better its relationship to the prevalence of the lower back disorders.