Trunk and Pelvic Control in the Acute Phase After Stroke: A Clinical Movement Analysis Case Study Using the Ottawa Sitting Scale

Trunk and pelvic control are frequently impaired after stroke, leading to limitations in activities of daily living and increased fall risk. Early rehabilitation and bedside clinical movement analysis may improve understanding of recovery in the acute phase. Objective To describe trunk and pelvic control after acute stroke using clinical movement analysis and to examine the bedside feasibility of the Ottawa Sitting Scale (OSS). Methods This single-case study was conducted in an acute care hospital in a 77-year-old man with first-ever ischemic stroke and right hemiparesis, assessed within the first week after onset. The OSS, was administered once daily for six consecutive days at bedside by the same therapist. Item-wise scores were tabulated and graphed to track change over time. Results On day 1, the participant maintained static sitting for < 60 s, showed difficulty with longer reaches and trunk rotation, and required compensatory strategies for scooting. From day 2 to day 6, static sitting improved to midline maintenance for > 60 s, and performance in 5-inch and 10-inch reaching tasks improved, particularly during lateral reaching. Trunk rotation improved from eye turning only to shoulder rotation. Scooting remained unchanged and continued to rely on compensatory trunk and upper-limb strategies. The OSS was feasible to administer at bedside, required minimal equipment, took approximately 10–15 min, and was tolerated by the participant. Conclusion In this acute stroke case, the OSS provided a structured description of trunk and pelvic control in sitting and captured early change while highlighting persistent limitations in scooting.