Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA | [b] Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders and Its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt | [c] Department of Physical Therapy for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Heba Embaby, Department of Physical Therapy for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Tel.: +21003191889; E-mail:dr.hebaembaby@yahoo.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the body undergoes many hormonal and
anatomical changes causing several medical problems as the musculoskeletal
system problems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the plantar pressure distribution during
pregnancy. SUBJECTS: Twenty two pregnant and non-pregnant females were
selected from the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. METHODS: All females were evaluated by inspection regarding their
deformities of the spine, pelvis, lower extremities and feet. Pain was
assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the weight and height were
recorded using a calibrated weighing scale. Finally, the plantar pressure
distribution was examined by a Global Postural Analysis device (GPA). RESULTS: The results revealed significant asymmetry of weight
bearing in the study group (pregnant) compared to the control group
(non-pregnant) (p< 0.05). In addition, there was a significant increase in
pain intensity in the study group (p= 0.02). On the other hand, the results
showed a non-significant difference between study and control groups
regarding the three points of pressure (calcaneus, 1st metatarasal and
5th metatarsal) (p> 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant direct
relationship between the month of pregnancy and increased weight bearing on
the 5th metatarsal in the study group (p= 0.04). CONCLUSION: There is an effect of pregnancy on plantar pressure
distribution as well as weight symmetry which should be considered when
designing an antenatal program.
