Symmetry and range of pelvic movement in gait among young male football players and their non-playing peers

Introduction: Gait is the basic physical activity of a person to which s/he is much better adapted than to running or maintaining a sitting position. Proper gait pattern has beneficial effects on locomotor and respiratory system efficacy, while asymmetrical, abnormal gait may cause musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The purpose of the study is to compare symmetry and range of pelvic movement in gait among boys playing football and their non-playing peers. Material and methods: A total of 121 boys were surveyed, including 33 soccer players aged 10-14 and 82 of their non-playing peers, using a portable system for functional movement analysis - BTS G-WALK. Symmetry and range of motion of the right and left pelvis in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes were analysed while walking on a straight section. Basic anthropometric measurements were also taken. Results: There was no difference in the value of the pelvic symmetry coefficient between the football- and non-players. However, a significantly greater range of pelvic rotation and movement in the sagittal plane was found among the boys playing football. Attention is drawn to the greater range of pelvic movement towards posterior tilt among young soccer players. Conclusions: Further studies should be conducted to assess whether excessive movement of the pelvis in gait towards posterior tilt among young soccer players is related to body posture quality, and whether the excessive range of pelvic movement in the sagittal and horizontal planes correlates with the incidence of locomotor injuries or lower spine pain.