Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(8):465-473
To analyze the effect of combined training (CT) in postural control and gait parameters in postmenopausal women.
A parallel-group, randomized, control study was conducted with 16 weeks of combined training (n = 16) versus a non-training control group (n = 12) in postmenopausal women (aged 59.3 ± 8.0). Pre and postintervention assessments included postural control (using an AMTI force platform – Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA) and gait impairments (using baropodometry). In addition, the upper limb strength and abdominal tests, as well as aerobic capacity, assessed functional indicators.
The CT intervention in postmenopausal women resulted in improved gait (stride length (p = 0.006); speed (p = 0.013); double support time (p = 0.045); and improved postural control (displacement area of postural sway in a normal base of support with eyes open (p = 0.006). Combined training increased functional indicators (abdominal - p = 0.031; aerobic capacity - p = 0.002).
In conclusion, combined aerobic plus strength training effectively improved gait and balance control in older women. The postmenopausal women from the CT group walked faster and with bigger steps after the intervention than the control group. In addition, they presented decreased postural sway in standing and decreased the percentage of double support time while walking, which means improved static and dynamic balance control and functional indicators.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):176-181
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400040003
To determine the relationship between total body and trunk fat mass and gait performance in postmenopausal women.
Thirty-nine postmenopausal women aged 50 years or more were studied. The following items were determined: weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI), body composition using the technique of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), and gait using baropodometry. The body composition variables used were total body fat, percent body fat and trunk fat, while the gait variables were percent double stance time and single stance time and gait speed. The women were divided into two groups according to the median for each body composition variable: less and more body fat, less and more percent body fat and less and more trunk fat. To compare the gait variables between groups, we used the Mann-Whitney test. To evaluate the possible relationships between body composition variables and gait variables, we used the Spearman correlation test. All analyses were performed with the level of significance set at 5%.
The group with more trunk fat showed longer double stance time (p=0.007) and lower values of single stance time (0.033) than the group with less trunk fat. We found significant and positive correlations between trunk fat and double stance time (R=0.40) and negative correlations between trunk fat and single stance time (R=-0.32).
Postmenopausal women with a greater amount of trunk fat tended to have impaired gait performance.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(8):376-380
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000800006
PURPOSES: To describe the process of gait initiation of pregnant women and to compare the behavior of the pressure center in the three trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: Fifty-seven low-risk pregnant women were evaluated, aged 18 to 35 years, selected for convenience location during the three trimesters of pregnancy. The women were divided into three groups of 19 subjects each, according to gestational age - 1st quarter (4-12 weeks), 2nd quarter (13-28 weeks), and 3rd quarter (29-42 weeks,). Each patient was positioned standing up with one foot on each AMTI force platform until she heard a beep indicating that she should start walking a distance of four meter. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. The Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Tukey's test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for group comparisons, with 5% significance level in all tests. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the 1st quarter (GFT) and 3rd quarter (GTT) groups regarding mediolateral oscillation amplitude (GFT: 0.4 cm and GTT: 0.2 cm) and mediolateral displacement rate (GFT: 0.9 cm/s and GTT: 0.4 cm/s). There was a gradual decrease in anteroposterior and mediolateral oscillation rate, and in the speed of displacement from platform 1 to platform 2 in GFT. There was a significant difference in oscillation amplitude and mediolateral displacement speed between GFT and GTT. CONCLUSION: The variables analyzed showed minor differences and do not constitute an imminent risk for the stability dynamics of pregnant woman.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(7):164-169
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000700008
PURPOSE: to analyze the gait propulsion force and relate it to changes in the dimensions of the feet and to the influence on the quality of life of pregnant women. METHODS: two groups were studied, a control (C) one consisting of 20 non-pregnant women and a group of 13 pregnant women investigated during the three gestational trimesters (Gfirst, Gsecond, Gthird). The groups were subjected to an initial assessment; evaluation of gait propulsion force using the force platform (Bertec); measurement of foot length and width; assessment of perimetry by the figure eight method; and assessment of quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref (Whoqol-bref). The Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate differences between group C and Gfirst, the Friedman test was used to determine differences between Gfirst, Gsecond and Gthird, and the Wilcoxon test was applied to significant cases. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: There was an increase in body mass (10.5 kg) and ankle edema (2.4 cm) during pregnancy. There was a decrease of gait propulsion force (10% of body mass) and an increase of mediolateral sway (10% of body mass) compared to Control Group. There was a reduced quality of life among pregnnat women, especially in the physical domain. CONCLUSIONS: Gait disorders occur during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of falls and musculoskeletal discomfort, which may affect the quality of life of pregnant wome