Changes in static balance during pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Physiology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Pregnant women face an elevated risk of falls.
• Static balance in pregnant and postpartum women is a critical area of research.
• Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding balance changes during and after pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize research on static balance in pregnant and postpartum women.
• To compare static balance between pregnant/postpartum women and non-pregnant controls.
• To examine how static balance changes across different stages of pregnancy and postpartum.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of studies measuring center of pressure (COP) sway during static standing using force plates.
• Assessment of methodological quality using modified Downs and Black checklist and Ruhe et al. recommendations.

Main Results:

• Thirteen studies were included, with results summarized descriptively due to heterogeneity.
• Some studies reported increased COP sway (magnitude, velocity, variability) from mid-pregnancy to six months postpartum.
• No consistent changes in static balance were found throughout pregnancy, and visual reliance effects were unclear.

Conclusions:

• Methodological heterogeneity limits strong conclusions on pregnancy's effect on static balance.
• Weaknesses in study methodologies necessitate careful consideration in future research.
• Further high-quality studies are needed to clarify balance adaptations during pregnancy and postpartum.