Pelvic movements during walking throughout gestation - the relationship between morphology and kinematic parameters.

BACKGROUND: Many researchers emphasize adaptations following pregnancy. Our purpose was to get more insight into how morphology interacts with the pelvic walking pattern - the segment most prone to the adaptation following altered body demands. METHODS: Thirty women were enrolled. Three experimental sessions were arranged according to the same protocol in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. First, the anthropometric measures were taken, then walking trials at a self-selected speed were registered. At the end of the experimental session the subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire on pain. FINDINGS: The sagittal plane pelvic range of motion (RoM) significantly increased throughout pregnancy. There were significant positive correlations between pelvic anthropometric dimensions and pelvic tilt and rotation primarily in the third trimester of pregnancy. Significant positive correlations were found between pelvic RoM and thigh circumference. Indicators associated with body mass increase were positively correlated with pelvic obliquity in the second trimester and pelvic tilt and rotation in late pregnancy. It is also worth noting that the individual differences were not related to back pain and that the reported correlations were observed in some but not in all trimesters. INTERPRETATION: Morphological changes following the fetus growth induced increased pelvic tilt and rotation, however, pelvis movements were not associated with back pain. Overall, the results highlight correlations between morphology and pelvis kinematic patterns in some but not in all trimesters.

Progressive changes in walking kinematics throughout pregnancy-A follow up study.

BACKGROUND: Progressive weight gain and changes in its distribution following pregnancy may be challenging for the gravidas' ability to move in a stable way. RESEARCH QUESTION: How is gait kinematics changing throughout pregnancy and to what extend is it affected by physical activity level and energy balance? METHODS: 30 women were enrolled. Three experimental sessions were arranged according to the same protocol in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Walking kinematics at a self-selected speed was registered. The total physical activity (TPA) was assessed from the subjects' questionnaires. Energy balance ('positive', 'balanced' or 'negative') was estimated as the difference between dietary energy intake and energy expenditure during 7 days. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the spatiotemporal variables between experimental sessions. However, the gait analysis revealed significant increments in the single support and base of support (BoS) measures. Generally, the sagittal plane mobility of the lower limb joints did not differ, however, the pelvic tilt increased in late pregnancy. The hip and pelvis angles were significantly different over the gait cycle throughout gestation. The 'balanced' energy was dominant in the first trimester although the relative number of participants with negative balance increased over pregnancy. Overall, gait parameters were independent of the energy balance. However, significant correlation was found between gait parameters, such as BoS, velocity, stride length, and TPA in the advanced pregnancy. SIGNIFICANCE: The longitudinal assessment of walking kinematics demonstrates few changes adopted to accommodate for pregnancy. The enlargement of BoS is considered as a strategy to provide safety and stability. The increased pelvic tilt is likely to compensate for changes in the body mass distribution. The physical activity correlates with the BoS measures and stride length and thus may be important for enhancing gait stability.