Effective stabilization of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) is essential, since spinal loading is transferred via the SIJ to the
coxal bones, and further to the legs. We performed a biomechanical analysis of SIJ stability in terms of reduced SIJ shear
force in standing posture using a validated static 3-D simulation model. This model contained 100 muscle elements, 8 ligaments,
and 8 joints in trunk, pelvis, and upper legs. Initially, the model was set up to minimize the maximum muscle stress. In this
situation, the trunk load was mainly balanced between the coxal bones by vertical SIJ shear force. An imposed reduction of
the vertical SIJ shear by 20% resulted in 70% increase of SIJ compression force due to activation of hip flexors and counteracting
hip extensors. Another 20% reduction of the vertical SIJ shear force resulted in further increase of SIJ compression force
by 400%, due to activation of the transversely oriented M. transversus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles. The M. transversus
abdominis crosses the SIJ and clamps the sacrum between the coxal bones. Moreover, the pelvic floor muscles oppose lateral
movement of the coxal bones, which stabilizes the position of the sacrum between the coxal bones (the pelvic arc). Our results
suggest that training of the M. transversus abdominis and the pelvic floor muscles could help to relieve SI-joint related
pelvic pain.
Keywords Static forces - Sacroiliac joints - Pelvis - Pelvic floor muscles - Human posture