Title: Characteristics of the centre of pressure progression for pregnant women during walking

Authors: Yan Zhang; Hengbo Lu; Yaodong Gu; Nanzhi Hu

Addresses: Human Movement Research Center, Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China ' Human Movement Research Center, Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China ' Human Movement Research Center, Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China ' Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ningbo Third Hospital, Ningbo, China

Abstract: Walking is the most essential daily activity for the human body; however, there are many biomechanical changes in gait during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to probe into the characteristics of the Centre of Pressure (COP) progression during pregnancy. Thirty-six pregnant women and 36 non-pregnant women were recruited to complete overground walking at their preferred speed. Data were collected with the Novel Pedar insole measurement system. Compared with data from non-pregnant subjects, the average COP velocity of the pregnant group was slower over the rear foot and mid-foot, while it was faster over the forefoot. Maximum COP velocity in the total foot and forefoot significantly decreased during the second trimester. Moreover, the COP of pregnant women moved laterally after heel strike, as is obvious. During pregnancy, women could adapt their gait pattern to sustain stability.

Keywords: centre of pressure; pregnancy; female gait; rear foot; mid-foot; forefoot; body weight; pregnant women; heel strike; gait patterns; walking stability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2015.069406

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2015 Vol.17 No.4, pp.387 - 397

Received: 14 Sep 2014
Accepted: 21 Dec 2014
Published online: 14 May 2015 *

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