Abstract
[Purpose] We made a comprehensive study of factors (lower limb strength, physical characteristics, trunk function and balance function) related to changes in trunk movement patterns at the time of rolling over in sleep. [Subjects] The subjects were 47 healthy young persons: 35 males and 12 females. [Method] We evaluated the subjects’ physical characteristics and trunk and balance functions. All subjects performed a sleeping roll to the right, and the patterns of their trunk movements (trunk pattern) were categorized. Subjects lower limb strength in pushing against the floor (LLF strength) was also measured. Discriminant analysis was then performed with trunk pattern as the dependent variable and the other measured items as the independent variables. [Results] We could categorize the trunk pattern with factors such as LLF strength and thoracolumbar flexion (TCF) angle. [Conclusion] When conducting analyses of rolling over in sleep, consideration needs to be given to LLF strength and TCF angle as they are factors altering trunk pattern.
