Biomechanical characteristics of feet during pregnancy and puerperium: a case study
- Autores: Priscilla Geraldine Wittkopf, Juliana Kretzer, Deyse Machado Borges, Gilmar Moraes Santos, Fabiana Flores Sperandio
- Localización: Scientia Medica, ISSN-e 1980-6108, Vol. 25, Nº. 1, 2015
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
Aims: To evaluate anthropometric variations and distribution of plantar pressure during pregnancy and puerperium.
Case description: In this descriptive exploratory study, a pregnant woman was submitted to eight assessments, six of them during pregnancy (at 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 weeks of gestation) and two in the postpartum period (at 10 and 50 days postpartum). Six foot and ankle anthropometric parameters were assessed. The footprint angle was indirectly obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The Pedar-Mobile (Novel GmbH) system assessed the plantar arch index and maximum peak plantar pressure both statically and dynamically. The right mid-foot length and circumference were larger than those of the left mid-foot during the gestational period. Footprint angle decreased as the gestational period progressed. The plantar arch index in static footprints varied slightly throughout the study period, but it progressively decreased during pregnancy and increased in the postpartum period. The average peak plantar pressure in dynamic footprints was higher during pregnancy than in the postpartum period.
Conclusions: These data reveal changes in the biomechanics of feet during pregnancy and puerperium, indicating an increase in circumference measurement and a reduction in plantar arch.
