Comparison of gait parameters of pregnant women with non-pregnant women

Abstract

Background/Aims The changes in body weight, body shape and hormones of pregnant women alter the posture and gait pattern of these individuals compared to non-pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy on selected gait parameters by evaluating footprints at the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and comparing with apparently healthy, non-pregnant women. Methods A total of 40 consenting women (20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant age-matched women) aged 22–35 years old (mean 28.25±0.68 years) participated in this study. Footprints were obtained from each participant and selected gait parameters were computed from the footprints. Paired t-tests and independent t-tests were used to compare the variables at P<0.05. Results There was a significant difference in the gait parameters measured between the pregnant and non-pregnant women: gait velocity (P=0.001), cadence (P=0.001), right foot angle (P=0.001), left foot angle (P=0.002), base of support (P=0.001), right step length (P=0.001), left step length (P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the gait parameters measured between the pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Conclusions Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in most gait variables compared to non-pregnant women, although no significant change was observed between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The inclusion of gait training during antenatal care may help reduce the effect on the musculoskeletal system.