Influence of Gestational Age on Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity, Plantar Contact, and Functional Mobility in High-Risk Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

During pregnancy, biomechanical changes are observed due to hormonal and physical modifications, which can lead to alterations in the curvature of the spine, balance, gait patterns, and functionality of the pelvic floor muscles. This study aimed to investigate the progressive impact of biomechanical changes that occur during gestational weeks on the myoelectric activity of the pelvic floor muscles, plantar contact area, and functional mobility of high-risk pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out from November 2022 to March 2023. A total of 62 pregnant women of different gestational ages with high-risk pregnancies were analyzed using surface electromyography to assess the functionality of the pelvic floor muscles, plantigraphy (Staheli index and plantar contact area), and an accelerometer and gyroscope using the timed up and go test via an inertial sensor on a smartphone. Descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analyses were carried out to test the predictive value of the signature. Results: Increasing weeks of gestation resulted in a decrease in the RMS value (β = −0.306; t = −2.284; p = 0.026) according to the surface electromyography analyses. However, there was no association with plantar contact (F (4.50) = 0.697; p = 0.598; R2 = 0.53). With regard to functional mobility, increasing weeks of gestation resulted in a decrease in time to standing (β = −0.613; t = −2.495; p = 0.016), time to go (β = −0.513; t = −2.264; p = 0.028), and first gyrus peak (β = −0.290; t = −2.168; p = 0.035). However, there was an increase in the time to come back (β = 0.453; t = 2.321; p = 0.025) as the number of gestational weeks increased. Conclusions: Increased gestational age is associated with a reduction in pelvic floor myoelectric activity. The plantar contact area did not change over the weeks. Advancing gestation was accompanied by a decrease in time to standing, time to go, and first gyrus peak, as well as an increase in time to come back.