Artigos Originais Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):222-227
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050007
To identify risk factors for weight retention in women after childbirth.
This was a prospective observational study that followed for six months adult women who delivered at a tertiary center. Were applied a structured questionnaire before hospital discharge and at six weeks and six months after childbirth, through home visits. The outcome was weight retention after childbirth (if risk >7.5 kg). The variables analyzed were: age, skin color, working during pregnancy, income, education, marital status, age at menarche, maternal age at first birth, parity, mode of delivery, birth interval, pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, percent body fat, and nutritional status. Data were first analyzed by bivariate analysis between prevalence of weight retention at six months and several covariates (p<0.2). We then calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and their respective gross confidence intervals of 95% (95%CI) and finally performed multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding factors and to estimate the OR and 95%CI.
The frequency of weight retention >7.5 kg by 6 months after delivery was 15%. In bivariate analysis, weight retention was associated with the following variables: age at menarche <12 years (OR=3.7; 95%CI1.1-13.2), gestational weight gain ≥16 kg (OR=5.8; 95%CI 1.8-18.6), percent body fat at baseline >30% (OR=5.0; 95%CI 1.1-23.6), and nutritional status by 6 weeks postpartum >25 kg/m2 (OR=7.7; 95%CI1.6-36.1). In multivariate analysis, only excessive gestational weight gain (OR=74.1; 95%CI 9.0-609.6) remained as a risk factor.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy should receive special attention in prenatal care in view of its association with weight retention and excess weight in women after childbirth.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):222-227
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050007
To identify risk factors for weight retention in women after childbirth.
This was a prospective observational study that followed for six months adult women who delivered at a tertiary center. Were applied a structured questionnaire before hospital discharge and at six weeks and six months after childbirth, through home visits. The outcome was weight retention after childbirth (if risk >7.5 kg). The variables analyzed were: age, skin color, working during pregnancy, income, education, marital status, age at menarche, maternal age at first birth, parity, mode of delivery, birth interval, pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, percent body fat, and nutritional status. Data were first analyzed by bivariate analysis between prevalence of weight retention at six months and several covariates (p<0.2). We then calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and their respective gross confidence intervals of 95% (95%CI) and finally performed multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding factors and to estimate the OR and 95%CI.
The frequency of weight retention >7.5 kg by 6 months after delivery was 15%. In bivariate analysis, weight retention was associated with the following variables: age at menarche <12 years (OR=3.7; 95%CI1.1-13.2), gestational weight gain ≥16 kg (OR=5.8; 95%CI 1.8-18.6), percent body fat at baseline >30% (OR=5.0; 95%CI 1.1-23.6), and nutritional status by 6 weeks postpartum >25 kg/m2 (OR=7.7; 95%CI1.6-36.1). In multivariate analysis, only excessive gestational weight gain (OR=74.1; 95%CI 9.0-609.6) remained as a risk factor.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy should receive special attention in prenatal care in view of its association with weight retention and excess weight in women after childbirth.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):216-221
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050006
To assess the effects of aerobic physical exercise on the Doppler velocimetry of fetal vessels in pregnant women with no clinical or obstetrical complications.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 healthy low-risk pregnant women at 2 different gestational times: between the 26th and 29th week and 6 days, and at the end of pregnancy, between the 30th and 35th week. The patients were submitted to aerobic physical exercise on a treadmill until reaching fatigue. Ultrasonographic data were obtained at rest and after physical exercise (Doppler velocimetry indices for the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and uterine arteries). Data were analyzed statistically by the paired and independent Student's t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) package, version 21.0.
A change in the pulsatility index was observed, with an indication of vasodilatation, with a median value of 1.1±0.1 before exercise and of 1.0±0.1 after exercise; the median value of the resistance index was 0.7±0.04 before exercise and 0.6±0.07 after exercise. The median systole/diastole ratio of the umbilical artery was 3.1±0.4 before exercise and 2.9±0.2 (p=0.03) after exercise at the beginning of pregnancy. No changes in the Doppler velocimetry parameters were observed for the uterine arteries, the middle cerebral artery or the ductus venosus after physical activity at either testing time. Paired analysis of pre- and post-activity data showed a reduction of resistance from the first to the second period (p<0.04).
Physical exercise does not lead to changes in systemic blood flow or fetal-placental flow in healthy pregnant women, confirming that exercises of mild to moderate intensity can be prescribed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):216-221
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050006
To assess the effects of aerobic physical exercise on the Doppler velocimetry of fetal vessels in pregnant women with no clinical or obstetrical complications.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 healthy low-risk pregnant women at 2 different gestational times: between the 26th and 29th week and 6 days, and at the end of pregnancy, between the 30th and 35th week. The patients were submitted to aerobic physical exercise on a treadmill until reaching fatigue. Ultrasonographic data were obtained at rest and after physical exercise (Doppler velocimetry indices for the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and uterine arteries). Data were analyzed statistically by the paired and independent Student's t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) package, version 21.0.
A change in the pulsatility index was observed, with an indication of vasodilatation, with a median value of 1.1±0.1 before exercise and of 1.0±0.1 after exercise; the median value of the resistance index was 0.7±0.04 before exercise and 0.6±0.07 after exercise. The median systole/diastole ratio of the umbilical artery was 3.1±0.4 before exercise and 2.9±0.2 (p=0.03) after exercise at the beginning of pregnancy. No changes in the Doppler velocimetry parameters were observed for the uterine arteries, the middle cerebral artery or the ductus venosus after physical activity at either testing time. Paired analysis of pre- and post-activity data showed a reduction of resistance from the first to the second period (p<0.04).
Physical exercise does not lead to changes in systemic blood flow or fetal-placental flow in healthy pregnant women, confirming that exercises of mild to moderate intensity can be prescribed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):211-215
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050005
To evaluate the correlation between the use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (AC), the frequency of resuscitation in delivery room and mortality of newborn infants under 1,500 g and gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks.
A cohort study was conducted on all newborn infants under 1,500 g and with a gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks admitted at the neonatal ICU between January 2006 and December 2011. Newborns who had congenital anomalies, genetic syndromes, congenital infections and those who were transferred to or came from other institutions were excluded. The studied infants were divided into 2 groups: those who received (n=182) and those who did not receive (n=38) AC. The main outcomes studied were the necessity of neonatal resuscitation, the presence of the main neonatal diseases and mortality during hospitalization. The means of the variables were compared using Student's t-test or non-parametric test and frequencies were compared by χ2test with Fisher's correction. The variables that presented difference between groups were assessed by logistic regression. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 was used and the significance level was set at 0.05.
In this study, 220 patients were evaluated. The groups were similar concerning birth weight, gestational age and the presence of the main neonatal morbidity during hospitalization. The infants who received antenatal corticosteroids showed lower mortality (OR=3.0; 95%CI 1.4-6.5) and required less resuscitation (OR=2.4; 95%CI 1.1-5.0). Besides, they required less advanced resuscitation procedures, such as tracheal cannula (OR=3.7; 95%CI 1.7-7.6), cardiac massage (OR=5.7; 95%CI 2.0-16.5) and medications (OR=8.9; 95%CI 2.0-39.4).
The use of antenatal corticosteroids reduced the need for resuscitation in delivery room, especially advanced procedures, and reduced the mortality in the studied groups.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):211-215
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050005
To evaluate the correlation between the use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (AC), the frequency of resuscitation in delivery room and mortality of newborn infants under 1,500 g and gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks.
A cohort study was conducted on all newborn infants under 1,500 g and with a gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks admitted at the neonatal ICU between January 2006 and December 2011. Newborns who had congenital anomalies, genetic syndromes, congenital infections and those who were transferred to or came from other institutions were excluded. The studied infants were divided into 2 groups: those who received (n=182) and those who did not receive (n=38) AC. The main outcomes studied were the necessity of neonatal resuscitation, the presence of the main neonatal diseases and mortality during hospitalization. The means of the variables were compared using Student's t-test or non-parametric test and frequencies were compared by χ2test with Fisher's correction. The variables that presented difference between groups were assessed by logistic regression. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 was used and the significance level was set at 0.05.
In this study, 220 patients were evaluated. The groups were similar concerning birth weight, gestational age and the presence of the main neonatal morbidity during hospitalization. The infants who received antenatal corticosteroids showed lower mortality (OR=3.0; 95%CI 1.4-6.5) and required less resuscitation (OR=2.4; 95%CI 1.1-5.0). Besides, they required less advanced resuscitation procedures, such as tracheal cannula (OR=3.7; 95%CI 1.7-7.6), cardiac massage (OR=5.7; 95%CI 2.0-16.5) and medications (OR=8.9; 95%CI 2.0-39.4).
The use of antenatal corticosteroids reduced the need for resuscitation in delivery room, especially advanced procedures, and reduced the mortality in the studied groups.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):198-204
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050003
To assess the adherence to a cervical cancer screening program and to identify reported reasons for inadequate screening in women receiving care as part of the Family Health Strategy.
A selective prevalence study on cervical cancer screening in women receiving care as part of the Family Health Strategy in the cities of Duque de Caxias and Nova Iguaçu in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, nine years after they participated in a previous study of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Only those women who were not diagnosed with CIN II or more severe lesions by histopathology, did not undergo hysterectomy during the study period and still resided in the communities were eligible to participate in the study. Information on exam sites, test results and schedules, sociodemographic characteristics and reported reasons of non-adherence was obtained. Data were collected through interviews and medical record review. The prevalence of adherence to screening was estimated, and the chi-square test was used to compare proportions between the variables studied and their relationship with the reported reasons of non-adherence to screening.
A total of 764 women were interviewed, 70.7% of whom received adequate cervical cancer screening. The reported reasons for inadequate screening included: no risk perception (44.6%), social barriers (26.3%), perceived barriers to action (22.3%) and institutional barriers (21.4%). These reasons were proportionately higher among residents of Nova Iguaçu than among residents of Duque de Caxias (p<0.01), except for institutional barriers (p=0.19).
Although difficulties and barriers were reported, there was good adherence to cervical cancer screening among the women studied. Health providers should receive proper training for complying with the Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines of regular testing and to facilitate access to screening.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):198-204
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050003
To assess the adherence to a cervical cancer screening program and to identify reported reasons for inadequate screening in women receiving care as part of the Family Health Strategy.
A selective prevalence study on cervical cancer screening in women receiving care as part of the Family Health Strategy in the cities of Duque de Caxias and Nova Iguaçu in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, nine years after they participated in a previous study of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Only those women who were not diagnosed with CIN II or more severe lesions by histopathology, did not undergo hysterectomy during the study period and still resided in the communities were eligible to participate in the study. Information on exam sites, test results and schedules, sociodemographic characteristics and reported reasons of non-adherence was obtained. Data were collected through interviews and medical record review. The prevalence of adherence to screening was estimated, and the chi-square test was used to compare proportions between the variables studied and their relationship with the reported reasons of non-adherence to screening.
A total of 764 women were interviewed, 70.7% of whom received adequate cervical cancer screening. The reported reasons for inadequate screening included: no risk perception (44.6%), social barriers (26.3%), perceived barriers to action (22.3%) and institutional barriers (21.4%). These reasons were proportionately higher among residents of Nova Iguaçu than among residents of Duque de Caxias (p<0.01), except for institutional barriers (p=0.19).
Although difficulties and barriers were reported, there was good adherence to cervical cancer screening among the women studied. Health providers should receive proper training for complying with the Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines of regular testing and to facilitate access to screening.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):192-197
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050002
To analyze the prevalence of cervical cytopathological results for the screening of cervical cancer with regard to women's age and time since the last examination in Maceió and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, among those assisted by the Brazilian Unified Health System.
Cervical cytopathological results available in the Information System of Cervical Cancer Screening for the year 2011 were analyzed, corresponding to 206,550 for Rio de Janeiro and 45,243 for Maceió.
In Rio de Janeiro, examination at one and two year intervals predominated, while in Maceió examination at one and three year intervals had a higher predominance. Women who underwent cervical smear screening in Maceió were older than those in Rio de Janeiro. The prevalence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma was similar for the two cities, but all the other results presented a higher prevalence in Rio de Janeiro: ASCUS (PR=5.32; 95%CI 4.66-6.07); ASCH (PR=4.27; 95%CI 3.15-5.78); atypical glandular cells (PR=10.02; 95%CI 5.66-17.76); low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (PR=6.10; 95%CI 5.27-7.07); high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (PR=8.90; 95%CI 6.50-12.18) and adenocarcinoma (PR=3.00; 95%CI 1.21-7.44). The rate of unsatisfactory cervical samples was two times higher in Maceió and that of rejected samples for analysis was five times higher in Maceió when compared to Rio de Janeiro.
The prevalence rates of altered cervical cytopathological results was significantly higher in Rio de Janeiro than in Maceió. There is no objective information that may justify this difference. One hypothesis is that there may be a difference in the diagnostic performance of the cervical cancer screening, which could be related to the quality of the Pap smear. Thus, these findings suggest that it would be necessary to perform this evaluation at national level, with emphasis on the performance of cervical cancer screening in order to improve the effectiveness of cervical cancer control.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):192-197
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050002
To analyze the prevalence of cervical cytopathological results for the screening of cervical cancer with regard to women's age and time since the last examination in Maceió and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, among those assisted by the Brazilian Unified Health System.
Cervical cytopathological results available in the Information System of Cervical Cancer Screening for the year 2011 were analyzed, corresponding to 206,550 for Rio de Janeiro and 45,243 for Maceió.
In Rio de Janeiro, examination at one and two year intervals predominated, while in Maceió examination at one and three year intervals had a higher predominance. Women who underwent cervical smear screening in Maceió were older than those in Rio de Janeiro. The prevalence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma was similar for the two cities, but all the other results presented a higher prevalence in Rio de Janeiro: ASCUS (PR=5.32; 95%CI 4.66-6.07); ASCH (PR=4.27; 95%CI 3.15-5.78); atypical glandular cells (PR=10.02; 95%CI 5.66-17.76); low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (PR=6.10; 95%CI 5.27-7.07); high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (PR=8.90; 95%CI 6.50-12.18) and adenocarcinoma (PR=3.00; 95%CI 1.21-7.44). The rate of unsatisfactory cervical samples was two times higher in Maceió and that of rejected samples for analysis was five times higher in Maceió when compared to Rio de Janeiro.
The prevalence rates of altered cervical cytopathological results was significantly higher in Rio de Janeiro than in Maceió. There is no objective information that may justify this difference. One hypothesis is that there may be a difference in the diagnostic performance of the cervical cancer screening, which could be related to the quality of the Pap smear. Thus, these findings suggest that it would be necessary to perform this evaluation at national level, with emphasis on the performance of cervical cancer screening in order to improve the effectiveness of cervical cancer control.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):152-156
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140050.0004
It was to compare pregnant women who experienced recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and those who did not in terms of the prevalence of depressive symptoms and sexual behavior.
A prospective case-control study was carried out. The first group consisted of women with RSA and the second, of primigravidae. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and one more questionnaire, developed by the authors themselves, about emotional aspects resulting from sexual intercourse during pregnancy were applied. The Student t-test was used to compare quantitative variables with normal distribution, and categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
The BDI showed (19.9 versus 10.0%) approximately twice the incidence of depression in the RSA group. Regarding sexual function, the average scores of the FSFI were 21.1 and 16.4 (p<0.05) for the study and control groups, respectively, although no significant difference was observed only in the desire domain (average 3.4±1.3 for the RSA group and 3.7±1.1 for control group) (p=0.1). We observed that, regardless the presence or absence of an RSA history among the pregnant women, the higher the depression score, the lower the sexuality score (r=-0,3).
The RSA pregnant group often experiences twice higher depression and more impaired sexual function. There is an inverse association between depression and sexual function.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):152-156
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140050.0004
It was to compare pregnant women who experienced recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and those who did not in terms of the prevalence of depressive symptoms and sexual behavior.
A prospective case-control study was carried out. The first group consisted of women with RSA and the second, of primigravidae. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and one more questionnaire, developed by the authors themselves, about emotional aspects resulting from sexual intercourse during pregnancy were applied. The Student t-test was used to compare quantitative variables with normal distribution, and categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
The BDI showed (19.9 versus 10.0%) approximately twice the incidence of depression in the RSA group. Regarding sexual function, the average scores of the FSFI were 21.1 and 16.4 (p<0.05) for the study and control groups, respectively, although no significant difference was observed only in the desire domain (average 3.4±1.3 for the RSA group and 3.7±1.1 for control group) (p=0.1). We observed that, regardless the presence or absence of an RSA history among the pregnant women, the higher the depression score, the lower the sexuality score (r=-0,3).
The RSA pregnant group often experiences twice higher depression and more impaired sexual function. There is an inverse association between depression and sexual function.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):182-187
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400040004
To evaluate the impact of training professionals involved in the screening for cervical cancer in Basic Health Units in the city of Goiânia (GO).
This was and intervention study in which the following data contained in the cervical cytopathology test form were examined: the woman's personal data, anamnesis, clinical examination and identification of the professional responsible for the collection. Professional training was evaluated by comparing the forms referring to the period from January 2007 to April 2009, before training, with the forms referring to the period from July 2010 to December 2012, after training. The Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the results of training, with the 5% level of significance.
After training, there was a significantly increased frequency of recording patient schooling (from 67.2 to 92.6%, p<0.001), telephone number (from 78.9 to 98.7%, p<0.001), cervical inspection (from 86.8 to 96.6%, p<0.001), and signs suggestive of sexually transmitted diseases (from 80.8 to 93.5%, p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of performing the exam within an interval of less than one year (p<0.001) and of one year (p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of Pap smear testing in women under 25 years of age, from 22.0 to 17.9% (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the proportion of satisfactory samples from 70.4 to 80.2% (p<0.001). A reduction of confounding factors was observed. The desiccation frequency was 2.9% before training and 2.0% after training (p<0.001). There was an increase in the frequency of representation of endocervical cells from 79.5 to 88.5% (p<0.001).
After training, there was a significant improvement in completing the application form, the performance of such tests regarding frequency and the age range recommended by the Ministry of Health, and the adequacy of the sample.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):182-187
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400040004
To evaluate the impact of training professionals involved in the screening for cervical cancer in Basic Health Units in the city of Goiânia (GO).
This was and intervention study in which the following data contained in the cervical cytopathology test form were examined: the woman's personal data, anamnesis, clinical examination and identification of the professional responsible for the collection. Professional training was evaluated by comparing the forms referring to the period from January 2007 to April 2009, before training, with the forms referring to the period from July 2010 to December 2012, after training. The Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the results of training, with the 5% level of significance.
After training, there was a significantly increased frequency of recording patient schooling (from 67.2 to 92.6%, p<0.001), telephone number (from 78.9 to 98.7%, p<0.001), cervical inspection (from 86.8 to 96.6%, p<0.001), and signs suggestive of sexually transmitted diseases (from 80.8 to 93.5%, p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of performing the exam within an interval of less than one year (p<0.001) and of one year (p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of Pap smear testing in women under 25 years of age, from 22.0 to 17.9% (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the proportion of satisfactory samples from 70.4 to 80.2% (p<0.001). A reduction of confounding factors was observed. The desiccation frequency was 2.9% before training and 2.0% after training (p<0.001). There was an increase in the frequency of representation of endocervical cells from 79.5 to 88.5% (p<0.001).
After training, there was a significant improvement in completing the application form, the performance of such tests regarding frequency and the age range recommended by the Ministry of Health, and the adequacy of the sample.
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. 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.
