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Changes in gait and posture as factors of dynamic stability during walking in pregnancy.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Krkeljas, Z
Published in: Human movement science
April 2018

Changes in gait and postural control during pregnancy may lead to increased fall rates during walking relative to non-pregnant women. Due to lack of empirical evidence on balance and postural control in dynamic conditions, the primary aim of this study was investigate the changes in gait and postural control as factors of stability during walking. Gait and posture of thirty-five (35) pregnant women (27 ± 6.1 years) were analysed at self-selected walking speed, and at different stage of pregnancy. The results indicate that although the gait kinematics did not differ between the trimesters, significant associations were noted between the step width, the lateral trunk lean, and the medio-lateral deviations in centre of gravity and centre of pressure. In contrast to the static conditions, anterior-posterior postural sway is not present during walking, whereas the lateral trunk lean is the primary factor women use in pregnancy to keep the centre of gravity closer to the base of support. Postural changes and those in gait kinematics were largely affected by the relative mass gain, rather than the absolute mass. Considering the importance of relative mass gain, more attention during healthy pregnancy should be given to monitoring the timing of onset of musculoskeletal changes, and design of antenatal exercise programs targeting core strength and pelvic stability.

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Published In

Human movement science

DOI

EISSN

1872-7646

ISSN

0167-9457

Publication Date

April 2018

Volume

58

Start / End Page

315 / 320

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Weight Gain
  • Walking Speed
  • Walking
  • Torso
  • Pregnancy
  • Posture
  • Postural Balance
  • Humans
  • Gait
 

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Krkeljas, Z. (2018). Changes in gait and posture as factors of dynamic stability during walking in pregnancy. Human Movement Science, 58, 315–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2017.12.011
Krkeljas, Zarko. “Changes in gait and posture as factors of dynamic stability during walking in pregnancy.Human Movement Science 58 (April 2018): 315–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2017.12.011.
Krkeljas, Zarko. “Changes in gait and posture as factors of dynamic stability during walking in pregnancy.Human Movement Science, vol. 58, Apr. 2018, pp. 315–20. Epmc, doi:10.1016/j.humov.2017.12.011.
Krkeljas Z. Changes in gait and posture as factors of dynamic stability during walking in pregnancy. Human movement science. 2018 Apr;58:315–320.
Journal cover image

Published In

Human movement science

DOI

EISSN

1872-7646

ISSN

0167-9457

Publication Date

April 2018

Volume

58

Start / End Page

315 / 320

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Weight Gain
  • Walking Speed
  • Walking
  • Torso
  • Pregnancy
  • Posture
  • Postural Balance
  • Humans
  • Gait