Time-distance parameters and plantar pressure distribution of gait during pregnancy period [Gebelik sürecinde zaman mesafe parametreleri ve plantar basinç daǧilimi]

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the time-distance gait parameters and the dynamic plantar pressure distribution during pregnancy period. Methods: Thirty eight pregnant women with a mean age 30.07±6.14 years (1st trimester: N=7, 2nd trimester: N=12, and 3 rd trimester: N=19) participated in this study. The gait analysis was assessed using 3D movement analyses system and dynamic plantar pressure distribution during walking was measured using electronic pedobarograph system. Results: Thirty-two subjects' plantar pressure measurements and 22 subjects' gait analyses were assessed among a total of 38 participants. There was no significant difference in time-distance gait parameters between the ist-2nd and 3rd trimesters (p>0.05). There was a significant difference in maximum force of plantar pressure parameters between the ist-2nd and 3rd trimesters during walking (p<0.05). The maximum force in total and the 3rd-4th metatarsal head of dominant side; and total, hindfoot and 3rd-4th metatarsal head of non-dominant side were greater in 3rd trimester compared to 1st trimester (p<0.05). Peak pressure was significantly greater in last trimester than 2nd trimester (p<0.05) while there was no significant difference in contact time among trimesters (p>0.05). Conclusion: Pregnancy period did not affect the mechanics of gait while it did change the plantar pressure distribution during walking especially at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It can be said that pregnant women adapt to maintain locomotor functions through pregnancy via changing their plantar pressure distribution.