Trunk forward flexion mobility in reference to postural sway in women after delivery: A prospective longitudinal comparison between early pregnancy and 2- and 6-month postpartum follow-ups

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been documented that pregnancy-related increased connective tissue laxity may persist postpartum; however, it is still unclear for how long. This longitudinal study aimed to compare total trunk forward flexion mobility in women between their first trimester of pregnancy and at 2- and 6-month postpartum follow-ups. We also searched for a correlation between women's trunk flexibility and their postural stability in the sagittal plane. MethodsSeventeen healthy women participated in the study. Data were collected at their 7–12 weeks gestation appointments and at 6–10 and 25–28 weeks postpartum. At each session, the women performed a finger floor distance test, and data were collected on their waist circumference and BMI. The women's center of foot pressure mean velocity in the anterior-posterior direction was computed from 30-s long quiet-standing trials on a stationary force plate. FindingsTotal trunk forward flexion mobility was significantly higher at 2 and 6 months postpartum compared to that in early pregnancy (P < 0.05). At 6 months postpartum, a moderate negative correlation between finger floor distance test values and their anterior-posterior center of foot pressure mean velocity was observed (r = −0.6, P < 0.05). InterpretationIncreased total trunk flexibility may be present in women 6 months postpartum. During that period, women with higher trunk flexibility may be more likely to present higher anterior-posterior postural sway velocity in quiet standing.