The Walking Plantar Loading Distribution of Pregnant Women in Different Trimesters

Pregnancy has been a critical stage for most females. Daily locomotion during this specific period was altered owing to the weight gain from fetus. The objective of this study was to illustrate the plantar loading distribution characteristics of pregnant women in different trimester through comparative analysis with non-pregnant women. Thirty-six pregnant women and thirty-six non-pregnant women were recruited to participate walking test with self-preferred speed (1.5 similar to 1.8 m/s). NovelPedar insole measurement system was utilized to record data of plantar loading. As the results shows, the peak pressure to the midfoot showed an increasing tendency as the pregnant trimester progressing in both feet. Due to pregnant trimester progressing, the impulse to the lateral foot side was obviously increasing. Reveal the adjusted gait plantar loading characteristics of pregnant women in different trimesters could help to guarantee the safety of expectant mothers and fetuses.