Assessment of Foot Biomechanics through Measuring of the Plantar Pressure during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy

During pregnancy there are many changes in female posture which affect gait parameters.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in foot plantar pressure patterns in pregnant women in their third trimester versus non pregnant women.

Methods: Thirty female subjects contributed to this study were divided into two groups, pregnant (3rd Trimester) and non-pregnant.

Results: The pressure on the sole of the foot was higher by 55.5% in the navicular bone in pregnant women in their third trimester (T3) than in the control group (non-pregnant women) (4.6 ± 1.6 N/cm2 in the pregnant women in the third trimester (T3) vs. 2.5 ± 1.5 N/cm2 in the control group (non-pregnant women), p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The highest pressure amplitudes were found under the rear foot and the heads of metatarsal, while the lowest values of pressure were found under the cuboid bone, navicular bone and forefoot but the values significantly increased more in pregnant women in their third trimester compared with non-pregnant women.