Does age affect the response of pelvis and spine to simulated leg length discrepancies? A rasterstereographic pilot study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate age differences in the response of the spine and pelvis to simulated leg length inequalities (LLIs).

Methods: A total of 107 subjects, separated into three age groups (group 1: 20-39 years, group 2: 40-59 years, group 3: >60 years), were used to evaluate for any age effects in the response to LLIs. LLIs of +10, +20, and +30 mm were simulated with a simulation platform on both sides, and the respective changes of pelvic position (pelvic obliquity, pelvic torsion) and spinal posture (lateral deviation, surface rotation, kyphotic, and lordotic angles) were measured with a rasterstereographic system.