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

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Pregnancy Studies

Background:

• Pregnancy leads to weight gain and altered body mass distribution.
• These changes can impact maternal stability and mobility during locomotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in gait kinematics throughout pregnancy.
• To determine the influence of physical activity level and energy balance on these gait alterations.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 30 women across three trimesters.
• Gait kinematics were recorded during walking at self-selected speeds.
• Total physical activity (TPA) and energy balance were assessed via questionnaires and energy intake/expenditure calculations.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in spatiotemporal gait variables were observed.
• Significant increases in single support time and base of support (BoS) were found.
• Pelvic tilt increased in late pregnancy, and hip/pelvis angles differed throughout gestation.
• Gait parameters were largely independent of energy balance, but BoS, velocity, and stride length correlated with TPA in advanced pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy elicits minimal gait kinematic changes, with base of support (BoS) widening as a key stability strategy.
• Increased pelvic tilt may compensate for altered body mass distribution.
• Physical activity is associated with enhanced gait stability, particularly concerning BoS and stride length.