Anthropometric Changes During Pregnancy Provide Little Explanation of Dynamic Balance Changes

The authors investigated the relationship between anthropometric changes and dynamic balance changes during pregnancy. A total of 15 participants were recruited for testing, using a convenience sample, from 12 weeks of gestation until childbirth. The authors measured body anthropometry with a tape measure and calipers. The authors conducted a self-selected speed walking analysis using a motion capture system and measured balance deficits as increased motion of the body center of mass. While a relatively large total explained variance of preferred walking speed was achieved (R² = .629), this study reports that body anthropometry explains little (<1%) unique variance in walking speed (P < .001) after covariates are considered. The authors also found that body anthropometry explains little (<5%) unique variance in dynamic balance control (P < .001) after covariates are considered, but total explained variance by all variables remained low to moderate (R² = +.248). These findings indicate that while body anthropometry changes correlate with dynamic balance changes during pregnancy, these provide little to no additional information about common balance changes during pregnancy after covariates were considered. Prepregnancy differences between individuals seem to be the predominant determinant of changes during pregnancy.