Association Between Pelvic Tilt and Lower Extremity Range of Motion in Division I Student-Athletes

Pelvic alignment has a critical role in maintaining efficient biomechanics during athletic performance. Alterations in pelvic tilt (PT) can influence force distribution through the lower extremity kinetic chain, potentially increasing injury risk. Limited joint range of motion (ROM) may contribute to compensatory pelvic positioning and stability deficits. Understanding the interconnectivity between PT and lower extremity ROM may offer insight into movement patterns and potential injury risk. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between PT and ROM for right and left ankle dorsiflexion (ADF-R and ADF-L, respectively), hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), and hamstring flexibility (HF) in Division I male and female collegiate student-athletes. METHODS: During a preseason screening, 260 Division I student athletes (109 male: 20.1 ± 1.5 y, 181.4 ± 8.2 cm, 81.3 ± 11.2 kg; 151 females: 19.6 ± 1.5 y, 169.2 ± 8.3 cm, 66.2 ± 9.4 kg) volunteered to complete mobility and stability assessments. PT was evaluated in a quarter squat position. Athletes demonstrating observable anterior PT were classified as having normal tilt (PTN), but for those without visible tilt a physical therapist applied vertical compression to the shoulders. If PT was then observed, athletes were classified as having stability-compromised tilt (PTS), if not, they were classified as having mobility-compromised tilt (PTM). Bilateral ADF, hip IR and ER, and HF were determined using a clinometer app, hand-held dynamometer, and sit-and-reach box test, respectively. One-way ANOVAs with Tukey’s post-hoc test were conducted to assess differences across the PT groups using SPSS v30 (a = 0.05). RESULTS: In males, significant differences across groups were found for ADF-R [F(2] = 6.794, p < 0.05) and AFL-L [F(2) = 6.379, p < 0.05]. Males with PTM had significantly lower ADF-R and ADF-L compared to PTN (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in hip IR, ER, or HF across PT groups for either sex. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a potential relationship between limited ADF ROM and impaired pelvic tilt due to compromised mobility at the hips in male student-athletes. Future research may need to examine this relationship across different sports and the impact on sport-specific movement patterns and injury risk.