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Postural control patterns in gravid women-A systematic review
Wanda Forczek-Karkosz1, Agata Masłoń2
1Section of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland.
Plos One
|December 27, 2024
Summary
Postural stability in pregnancy is inconsistent across studies, with advanced pregnancy increasing fall risk when vision is impaired. Further research is needed to understand these changes for safe daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Women's Health
Background:
- Postural stability is crucial for pregnant women's functional independence.
- Existing research on pregnant women's postural control strategies presents contradictions and lacks consistent characteristics, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on postural strategies during pregnancy in static and dynamic conditions.
- To critically assess the methodological quality of existing studies to identify reasons for inconsistent findings.
Main Methods:
- Conducted literature searches in PubMed and EBSCOhost Research Databases up to September 1, 2024.
- Included longitudinal, cross-sectional, case-control, and descriptive studies on healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies.
- Excluded studies on multiple pregnancies or interventions; assessed methodological quality using Downs and Black criteria.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 22 articles involving 641 pregnant and 296 nonpregnant women.
- Findings on postural equilibrium during pregnancy (static and dynamic) are inconclusive, showing decreases, no change, or improvements.
- Advanced pregnancy poses an increased fall risk, particularly when visual input is compromised.
Conclusions:
- Observed a lack of homogeneity in study groups and limited longitudinal analyses.
- Variability in methodologies and postural sway measures across studies contributes to inconsistent results.
- Findings provide foundational data for health promotion programs to ensure pregnant women's safety during daily activities.
