ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose: As pregnancy progresses, various postural and biomechanical changes occur as a result of altered anthropometrics. A number of pelvic belts and maternity supports are available and marketed to pregnant women to improve posture and body biomechanics. However, the evidence regarding the efficacy of these maternity supports in improving posture or biomechanics has been anecdotal, with no published data being available. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential differences in standing spinal postures and sit-to-stand (STS) biomechanics in pregnant women with and without a maternity support.
Participants: Five women in their third trimester of pregnancy were fitted with a maternity support for use during the study.
Methods and Measures: A pretest-posttest research design was used. Kinematic analysis was used to measure joint angles and movement time during the STS movement. A flexible ruler was used to measure standing spinal posture with and without the support in place.
Results: The addition of the maternity support resulted in less hip flexion during the STS movement. While not statistically significant, lumbar lordosis measured while standing decreased when women wore the maternity support compared with without the support.
Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this pilot study suggest that pregnant women wearing a maternity support may experience changes in hip position during STS movements. In addition, their spinal curve postures may tend to change. However, it is unclear whether altering the biomechanics during the STS movement impacts movement effort or pain complaints.