Effectiveness of proprioceptive training on dynamic postural balance during pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy includes a series of changes to posture and gait. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term effect of proprioceptive training on the postural balance of pregnant women. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial with blinding of participants and examiners conducted in physician practices at the obstetric department of the hospital. Thirty-nine pregnant women with age between 25-30 years at 20 weeks gestation (WG) were randomized into blocks and allocated to either the intervention group with proprioceptive exercises (PEG; n=20) or the control group (CG; n=19). All outcomes (anteroposterior (AP), mediolateral (ML) and global postural sway (GPS) indices were measured by the Biodex Balance System ® -BBS at 20, 24, and 32 WG. RESULTS: After 4 weeks' intervention, the PEG showed decreased sway (AP, ML, and GPS indices) compared to the CG, indicating an improvement in postural balance due to the intervention. With pre- and post-intervention (between 20 and 24 WG), the PEG showed decreased AP and GPS sway. In the CG, without intervention, no sway was different between the pre and post period. After 8 weeks of follow-up (32 WG), the PEG demonstrated the maintenance and improvement of all the index of postural sway. In the CG, these index of postural sway has significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The proprioceptive training is effective in the reduction of postural sway during pregnancy. This improvement was maintained after 8 weeks of follow-up.