The effect of daily walking during pregnancy on neuromuscular pain in the third trimester
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v67.110153Keywords:
Back pain, Pelvic girdle pain, Physical activity, Pregnancy, Neuromusculoskeletal pain, Sciatic pain, WalkingAbstract
Objective: To describe the frequency of neuromusculoskeletal pain across each trimester of pregnancy and assess the impact of daily walking from the second trimester on the incidence, prevalence, and daily life impact of such pain in the third trimester.
Methods: A total of 192 pregnant women wearing pedometers from the beginning of the second trimester were analyzed. Daily walking activity, the frequency of back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatic pain, as well as their impact on daily life, were measured. Women were categorized as physically active or inactive based on a threshold of 7000 steps/day.
Results: Back pain was the most commonly reported condition and had the greatest impact on daily life. No significant association was found between walking ≥7000 steps/day from the second trimester and the incidence or prevalence of pelvic girdle or sciatic pain in the third trimester. Additionally, no significant association was found with back pain prevalence, though the analysis suggested a possible trend in this direction.
Conclusions: Walking ≥7000 steps/day from the second trimester was not significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain outcomes in the third trimester. While physical activity is essential for overall health, further research is needed to determine how different walking patterns and intensities may contribute to musculoskeletal pain prevention and management during pregnancy.
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