Balance Disorders Related to Pregnancy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Primary aim of this study is to evaluate postural equilibrium and risk of falls during pregnancy by comparing static postural stability between pregnant and non-pregnant control women. Secondary aim is to find out predisposing factors of falling during pregnancy using by validated questionnaires focused on exercise activities and self-evaluation of postural stability. The investigators also determine level of vitamin D in the blood.

Detailed Description
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Several hormonal, anatomical and physiological changes occur in the female body during pregnancy. These changes caused by pregnancy include significant weight gain, increased ligamentous laxity and spinal lordosis, decreased neuromuscular control and abdominal muscle strength, altered biomechanics and an anterior shift in the location of the centre of mass. These alteration of pregnant woman body can lead to balance problems. Falls during pregnancy are very common. Pregnant women especially in advanced stage of pregnancy are at higher risk of falling compared to non-pregnant women. Falls during pregnancy may cause maternal injuries such as bone fractures, joint sprains, muscle strains, head injury, rupture of internal organs, abruptio placentae, rupture of the uterus and membranes and occasionally maternal death or intrauterine fetal demise. Pregnant women are hospitalized due to a fall 2,3 times more than non-pregnant reproductive-aged women. There is few evidence in a literature about postural stability but not about risk factors, that caused stability disorders. By determination of risk factors, the investigators can reduce number of falls in pregnancy.

Official Title
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Balance Disorders Related to Pregnancy

Conditions
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Balance, Postural, Fall, Pregnancy Related

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: 3 tests: Posturography, Questionnaire, vitamin D


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: The investigators involve every pregnant woman in 36.-38. week of pregnancy that attending an outpatient clinic at 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bratislava and Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Exclusion Criteria: Unwilling to participate Minors (under 18 years old) Musculoskeletal and neurological abnormalities Unfamiliar with slovak language Multiple pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| healthy pregnant women<br>200 healthy pregnant women in 36.-38. Week of pregnancy. The investigators involve every healthy pregnant woman in 36.-38. week of pregnancy. Exclusion criteria: Unwilling to participate Minors (under 18 years old) e) Unfamiliar with slovak language f) Multiple pregnancy g) Musculoskeletal and neurological abnormalities | Diagnostic Test: 3 tests: Posturography, Questionnaire, vitamin D<br>* Posturography platform Kistler 9281B Questionnaire focused on exercise activities and self-evaluation of postural stability The investigators also determine level of vitamin D in the blood.<br>|
| non-pregnant women<br>30 non-pregnant healthy control women The investigators involve every healthy non-pregnant woman. Exclusion criteria: Unwilling to participate Minors (under 18 years old) e) Unfamiliar with slovak language f) Pregnancy g) Musculoskeletal and neurological abnormalities | Diagnostic Test: 3 tests: Posturography, Questionnaire, vitamin D<br>* Posturography platform Kistler 9281B Questionnaire focused on exercise activities and self-evaluation of postural stability The investigators also determine level of vitamin D in the blood.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| To determine differences of postural stability between pregnant and non-pregnant women. | To determine differences of postural stability between pregnant and non-pregnant women. | 1 hour | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| find out predisposing factors of falling during pregnancy | Secondary aim is to find out predisposing factors of falling during pregnancy using by validated questionnaires focused on exercise activities and self-evaluation of postural stability. | 1 hour | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Fall, static posturography, pregnancy