Comparison of Static Postural Stability in Exercising and Non-Exercising Women During the Perinatal Period

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine whether women who exercised during and after pregnancy had better static postural stability compared to those who did not exercise. MATERIAL/METHODS: Posturographic tests were performed in 31 women at 34–39 weeks gestation, and again at 6–10 weeks postpartum. The center of pressure mean velocity (with directional subcomponents) and sway area were computed from 30-s quiet standing trials on a stationary force plate with eyes open or closed. The women were surveyed about their lifestyle and physical activity in the perinatal period. Based on the survey, 12 of the women were assigned as regular exercisers and 19 as non-exercisers. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare data of the exercisers and the non-exercisers in their advanced pregnancy and again at 2 months postpartum. RESULTS: Postural sway measures were not significantly different between the exercisers and the non-exercisers in advanced pregnancy and at 2 months postpartum (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individually performed physical activity during the perinatal period did not affect pregnant/postpartum women’s postural stability characteristics of quiet standing.