The stance phase of walking during late pregnancy: temporospatial and ground reaction force variables

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2005 May-Jun;95(3):247-53. doi: 10.7547/0950247.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate temporospatial and ground reaction force variables in the stance phase of walking during late pregnancy. An eight-camera motion-analysis system was used to record 13 pregnant women at 38 weeks' gestation and again 8 weeks after birth. In late pregnancy, there was a wider step width, and mediolateral ground reaction force tended to be increased in a medial direction. The center of pressure moved more medially initially and less anteriorly at 100% of stance in late pregnancy. The differences suggest that women may adapt their gait to maximize stability in the stance phase of walking and to control mediolateral motion.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Postpartum Period / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third / physiology*
  • Walking / physiology*