Comparing Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters and Static Balance in the First and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy Among Women With Different Severities of Low Back Pain

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Member, Iranian Infertility Association, Tehran, Iran.

10.32598/SJRM.15.2.3449

Abstract

Background and Aims Pregnancy induces significant structural, postural, and biomechanical adaptations that can affect gait and balance. Pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP), one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints during gestation, may intensify these changes, leading to compensatory movement strategies and impaired postural stability. This study aimed to compare changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters and static balance between early first trimester and late third trimester among pregnant women with varying LBP severity.
Methods In this prospective study, participants were assessed in the third and ninth months of pregnancy. LBP severity was measured in the ninth month using the visual analogue scale (VAS), categorizing participants into mild and moderate-to-severe LBP groups. Static balance was evaluated using a Wii balance board, with center of pressure (COP) path length as the main outcome. Gait was recorded in the sagittal plane at 100 Hz. Participants performed 6 walking trials; the first three were excluded to ensure habitual gait. Three consecutive right steps from trials 4 to 6 were analyzed. Videos were calibrated and analyzed using Kinovea software (version 0.9.5), with virtual markers on the heel, lateral malleolus, and fifth metatarsal head. Changes in variables were calculated as differences between third- and ninth-month measurements and analyzed using independent t tests or the Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results Stride time changes differed significantly between groups (P<0.01). Women with moderate-to-severe LBP showed greater reductions in stride length and step length and greater increases in step time compared to the mild LBP group (P<0.05), indicating adoption of a more cautious gait strategy. COP path length also increased significantly more in the moderate-to-severe group (P<0.05), reflecting reduced postural stability.
Conclusion Higher LBP severity in late pregnancy is associated with unfavorable gait adaptations and increased postural sway. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring motor function and implementing targeted rehabilitation strategies to maintain mobility and balance during pregnancy.

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2
May and June 2026
Pages 302-315

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 28 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 15 April 2026
  • First Publish Date: 15 April 2026

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