Structural changes in foot and arch dimensions in the third trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

PurposeThe goal of the study was to investigate changes in foot anatomical characteristics in the last trimester of pregnancy.MethodsTwenty pregnant women (mean age: 30.8 years) from a local clinic were recruited. Body mass, foot length and width, longitudinal arch height, and several angular variables quantifying plantar and arch structure were measured. A foot imprint was obtained with a digital podoscope (CQ Elektronik System, Poland) at the beginning and end of the third trimester of pregnancy.ResultsBody mass was significantly greater at the end of the last trimester. Increases were also observed in the SztriterGodunow index in both feet (<i>p</i> < 0.007), although foot length and width increased only in the left foot. Among the angular characteristics, the only significant changes involved an increase in the talocalcaneal angle (<i>p</i> < 0.007) and a decrease in the 1st metatarsophalangeal angle in the right foot (<i>p</i> < 0.04).ConclusionsSignificant changes in plantar and arch structure were observed in the final trimester of pregnancy, primarily involving a transverse expansion of the left foot and alteration in the angular characteristics of the right foot. The results of the research show anthropometric changes in feet of women in the last trimester of pregnancy. They indicate the foot parts in which the greatest changes occur and what the direction of these changes is. This will allow to create a preventive foot corrective exercise program for pregnant women.