Correlation between baropodometric variables, disability, and intensity of low back pain in pregnant women in the third trimester

Growth of uterus, enlargement of breasts and weight gain result from the development and growth of the fetus during pregnancy. The posture and the displacement of the center of gravity change.

Correlate baropodometric variables with low back pain in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in São Luís (MA, Brazil). For data collection, we used a form containing sociodemographic and clinical data, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire for disability evaluation of the lumbar spine, Numerical Rating Scale to measure pain intensity, and baropodometric evaluation.

Twenty-five pregnant women took part in the study. There was a significant and positive correlation (r = 0.404, p = 0.045) between functional disability and hindfoot pressure and a significant and negative correlation (r = -0.404, p = 0.045) between functional disability and plantar pressure in the forefoot of the right foot. In addition, there was a positive and significant correlation between the intensity of pain and the contact area on the left (r = 0.504, p = 0.010) and right (r = 0.509, p = 0.009) foot.

There is a relation between disability and plantar pressure and between pain intensity and area of contact of feet in pregnant women.