Influence of physical activity and different sensory conditions on static and dynamic balance of pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy provides countless benefits to pregnant women and results in a smaller number of falls during pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to verify the influence of physical activity and test conditions on the static and dynamic balance of pregnant women. Methodology: The study was an analytical, transversal, and comparative study with a sample of 99 pregnant women divided into two groups, with physical activity as the grouping factor. The evaluation included questions about the type and frequency of physical activity and investigation of postural balance (Balance Master System®). For statistical analysis, we used the following tests: Shapiro Wilk, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA One Way and Wilcoxon. Results: No relationship was found between physical activity and postural balance (F > 0.40, P > 0.07). However, the test conditions alter the sway velocity (P = 0.001) and directional control movement (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Results suggest that: (1) physical activity does not influence variables related to postural balance in active and sedentary pregnant women; and (2) postural sway velocity and directional control of movement are related to the test conditions used during balance evaluation.

Benefícios do exercício físico na gravidez: uma revisão integrativa

“…Os autores apontam que as principais causas para isto são: I-As demandas musculoesqueléticas exigidas no ambiente clínico diferiam daquelas avaliados no estudo; II-frequência insuficiente de atividade física e III-a variabilidade no exercício clínico, protocolos aplicados às gestantes. As atividades físicas mais praticadas pelas voluntárias eram Pilates (26,1%), hidroginástica (13%) e caminhada (13%) (Souza et al, 2016).…”