Spatiotemporal gait parameters in obese and normal-weight pregnant women

Abstract

Problem statement: Gestational obesity poses a significant strain on the musculoskeletal system of pregnant women, impacting gait patterns, with spatiotemporal gait parameters serving as crucial indicators of these changes. The aim of this study was to assess and compare spatiotemporal gait parameters between obese and normal-weight pregnant women across three distinct gestational periods. Purpose: To investigate and contrast spatiotemporal gait parameters in obese and normal-weight pregnant women during three key gestational periods. Approach: In this longitudinal study, a cohort of 23 pregnant women was stratified into two groups: a normal-weight group (control group [CG]: n = 12) and an obese group (OG: n = 11). Gait analyses were conducted at three specific gestational periods (T1, 16th week; T2, 24th week; and T3, 32nd week). Utilizing a mixed analysis of variance with three repeated measures, we examined differences and interactions within each period and between the two groups. Effect sizes were determined using generalized eta squared values (η²). Results: Double support time (p < 0.01; η² = 0.35), step width (p < 0.01, η² = 0.37), and stance phase duration (p < 0.01, η² = 0.36) increased from T2 to T3 in both groups and were higher in the OG (p < 0.01, η² = 0.32; p = 0.04, η² = 0.20; and p = 0.02, η² = 0.25, respectively). Step time did not change over the gestational periods. However, the pregnant women in the OG exhibited longer step times than those in the CG (p = 0.049, η² = 0.20) at all time points. Cadence, single support time, stride time, and opposite foot contact had no significant differences between the groups and between the gestational periods. Gait speed (p = 0.01, η² = 0.22), step length (p < 0.01, η² = 0.28), stride length (p < 0.01, η² = 0.25), and locomotor rehabilitation index (p = 0.02, η² = 0.35) decreased from T1 to T3 in both groups. No interactions were found. Conclusions: The pregnant women in this study experienced an elongated double support phase, wider step width, and prolonged stance phase. Gait speed, locomotor rehabilitation index, step length, and stride length were influenced only by pregnancy progression. Step time increased only in the OG.