Management of Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Assessment and Identification

Anterior pelvic tilt often presents with associated musculoskeletal features including mild lumbar lordosis and hyperextension at knees and elbows, increased width of base of support, genu valgum and recurvatum, hindfoot valgus, and forefoot varus in individuals with musculoskeletal malalignment 1, 2
The pelvic tilt creates postural compensations that can lead to weakness in trunk and proximal muscles, particularly affecting abdominal muscles, hip extensors, and abductors in patients with anterior pelvic tilt 1, 2
Biomechanical disadvantage in abdominal muscles, hip extensors, and hip abductors is commonly observed in individuals with anterior pelvic tilt 1, 2

Targeted strengthening exercises for hip extensors and abductors can address the biomechanical disadvantage created by anterior tilt, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine 1, 2
Strengthening abdominal muscles can counteract the anterior rotation in patients with anterior pelvic tilt, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine 1, 2

Custom-molded foot orthoses can improve distal alignment at feet and ankles, decrease genu valgum, and lead to improved weight-bearing alignment for long-term musculoskeletal protection in individuals with distal malalignment 3
The use of ankle-foot orthoses may be necessary for more severe malalignment, instability, or distal weakness in adults, as suggested by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 3

Regular aerobic exercise training may be beneficial for individuals with anterior pelvic tilt, though firm evidence is limited, according to the American Heart Association 3
Approach maximal effort exercise with caution to avoid potential muscle injury, as recommended by the National Strength and Conditioning Association 3

Direct and functional assessment of strength and endurance should guide individualized exercise programs for patients with anterior pelvic tilt, as suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine 3
Standardized gross and fine motor testing can help identify specific areas of impairment and optimize participation in individuals with anterior pelvic tilt, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Sports Medicine 3

Anterior pelvic tilt may be related to postures assumed to accommodate increased abdominal girth, which can alter postural development when present from a young age, as noted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1, 2