Influence of physical activity and different sensory conditions on static and dynamic balance of pregnant women

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Physical activity during pregnancy provides countless benefits to pregnant women and results in a smaller number of falls during pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to verify the influence of physical activity and test conditions on the static and dynamic balance of pregnant women.

METHODOLOGY

The study was an analytical, transversal, and comparative study with a sample of 99 pregnant women divided into two groups, with physical activity as the grouping factor. The evaluation included questions about the type and frequency of physical activity and investigation of postural balance (Balance Master System(r)). For statistical analysis, we used the following tests: Shapiro Wilk, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA One Way and Wilcoxon.

RESULTS

No relationship was found between physical activity and postural balance (F > 0.40, P > 0.07). However, the test conditions alter the sway velocity (P = 0.001) and directional control movement (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that: (1) physical activity does not influence variables related to postural balance in active and sedentary pregnant women; and (2) postural sway velocity and directional control of movement are related to the test conditions used during balance evaluation.

Keywords
postural balance; exercise; pregnancy