Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (24): 4439-4444.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.24.016

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Gait and movement coordination in patients with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain

Wu Wen-hua 1,2 , Lin Xiao-cong 1,2   

  1. 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou  362000, Fujian Province, China; 2 Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou  362000, Fujian Province, China
  • Online:2010-06-11 Published:2010-06-11
  • About author:Wu Wen-hua☆, Doctor, Chief physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian Province, China drwuwenhua@126.com
  • Supported by:

    the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in Fujian Provincial University, No. NCETFJ-0611*; the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry, No. [2005]383*

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Walking is often impaired in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), but the precise pathogenesis remains poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE: To better understand the walking velocity, gait and changes in movement coordination in patients with PPP and to explore its underlying mechanism of movement pathology.
METHODS: The gait kinematics of 12 healthy pregnant women and 12 pregnant women with PPP were compared, focusing on the amplitudes of transverse pelvic, lumbar, and thoracic segmental rotations, the timing and relative phase of these rotations, and the amplitude of spinal rotations.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The walking velocity of pregnant women with PPP was lower than that of the controls, and negatively correlated with fear of movement. While patients’ amplitudes were larger in transverse pelvic, lumbar, and thoracic segmental rotations, and there were large inter-individual differences. The spinal rotations did not differ between groups. In the patients, peak thorax rotation occurred earlier in the stride cycle at higher velocities, and relative phase was lower, probably to avoid excessive rotational torque in the sacroiliac joints and the spine.

CLC Number: