Marco Antonio Colaco Branco
@ipsantarem.pt
Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior
Instituto Politécnico de Santarém
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Biomechanics
Motor Behaviour
Exercise and Health
Sports Performance
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Nancy Brígida, David Catela, Cristiana Mercê, and Marco Branco
Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)
Fibromyalgia (FM) is normally defined as a widespread pain syndrome or disease that presents disturbances in gross and fine motor control. As a gross motor control skill, gait requires coordination, balance, and muscle strength, and it could be an essential factor for FM patients to perform daily activities. Measuring the spatial and temporal gait parameters or gait variability has been used to assess motor pathologies and identify gait disorders. The Lyapunov exponent is a non-linear measure of variability, which quantifies the ability that the system has to attenuate small perturbances, indicating that there might be a relationship between balance and spatiotemporal gait parameters. This technique has already been used for gait analysis and could be used in fine and gross daily tasks, such as the finger tapping test (FTT) or the sit-and-stand test. Inertial Measurement Units have also been used to analyze gross motor control, namely in gait variability. So, the aim of this study is to analyze and compare the variability of gross and fine motor movements between patients with FM and a control group. The sample included 20 female participants, 10 with FM and 10 without (46.150 ± 12.835 years old). To analyze gross motricity, participants were asked to perform the gait task for two minutes and the 30-second chair sit-and-stand test; and to analyze fine motor control, they were asked to perform six trials of FTT test with both hands. To collect the data, an inertial sensor (IMU) was used. FM patients showed a more irregular pattern of linear acceleration peaks than controls in both tasks. Lyapunov values in FM patients show greater instability and variability in the anteroposterior and vertical movements for gait analysis and present significantly higher variability in the anteroposterior movements when performing the sit and stand task and the finger tapping test. Keywords: Fibromyalgia; Gross Motor Control; Gait; Sit and Stand; Variability; Lyapunov; IMU
Paulo Miranda-Oliveira, Marco Branco, and Orlando Fernandes
MDPI AG
In this study, we aimed to assess sprinting using a developed instrument encompassing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in order to analyze athlete performance during the sprint, as well as to determine the number of steps, ground contact time, flight time, and step time using a high-speed camera as a reference. Furthermore, we correlated the acceleration components (XYZ) and acceleration ratio with the performance achieved in each split time obtained using photocells. Six athletes (four males and two females) ran 40 m with the IMU placed on their fifth lumbar vertebra. The accuracy was measured through the mean error (standard deviation), correlation (r), and comparison tests. The device could identify 88% to 98% of the number of steps. The GCT, flight time, and step time had mean error rates of 0.000 (0.012) s, 0.010 (0.011) s, and 0.009 (0.009) s when compared with the high-speed camera, respectively. The step time showed a correlation rate of r = 0.793 (p = 0.001) with no statistical differences, being the only parameter with high accuracy. Additionally, we showed probable symmetries, and through linear regression models identified that higher velocities result in the maximum anteroposterior acceleration, mainly over 0–40 m. Our device based on a Wi-Fi connection can determine the step time with accuracy and can show asymmetries, making it essential for coaches and medical teams. A new feature of this study was that the IMUs allowed us to understand that anteroposterior acceleration is associated with the best performance during the 40 m sprint test.
Cristiana Mercê, Keith Davids, David Catela, Marco Branco, Vanda Correia, and Rita Cordovil
Informa UK Limited
Cristiana Mercê, Jéssica Cordeiro, Catarina Romão, Marco Branco, and David Catela
Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)
O Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Coordenação (TDC) acomete cerca de 5 a 6% das crianças em idade escolar, sendo um dos problemas de desenvolvimento mais comuns na infância. Uma revisão datada identificou que crianças com TDC apresentavam níveis mais baixos de atividade física do que seus pares, porém, não investigaram as implicações dessa menor atividade na vida das crianças. A presente revisão sistemática objetivou identificar: i) diferenças nos níveis de atividade física entre crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da coordenação (pDCD) e desenvolvimento típico, ii) as repercussões dessas diferenças e iii) principais instrumentos utilizados na mensuração da atividade física. Uma busca abrangente em cinco bancos de dados foi realizada (Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane), incluindo literatura cinza. Após encontrar 785 publicações, 16 estudos foram incluídos. Esta revisão verificou que crianças com pDCD apresentam níveis mais baixos de atividade física moderada e vigorosa, com possíveis implicações nos níveis físico (por exemplo, maiores porcentagens de massa gorda) e psicológico (por exemplo, aumento dos níveis de frustração). Esta revisão confirma que crianças com pDCD são menos ativas do que crianças com desenvolvimento típico e têm maior risco de desenvolver doenças cardiometabólicas. Pais, professores, escolas e comunidades devem criar ambientes motivacionais para que os jovens com DCD se envolvam e mantenham a atividade física à medida que avançam para a idade adulta.Palavras-chave: crianças, DCD, atividade física, saúde.
Cristiana Mercê, Jéssica Cordeiro, Catarina Romão, Marco Branco, and David Catela
Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)
Portuguese children spend about eight hours/day in sedentary behaviours, presenting only one hour in active play. This inactivity rate is about 84%. The lower levels of physical activity (PA) trigger several health problems in children and, after, in adulthood. With the appearance of the pandemic of COVID-19 and, consequently, increase of confined tasks like distance learning, has been verified the PA decrease and screen and sedentary behaviours increase in children. The objectives are: i) verify PA levels; ii) compare PA levels between genders, before and during the pandemic. The questionnaire “Cuestinário Pictórico de la Actividad Físca Infantil” has been translated and applied in Portugal, across the platform Google Forms, having been answered by 61 children of average age of 12.0±3.1 years. Before the pandemic, male children practice more PA. During the pandemic, has been verified a practise decrease in both genders. The PA levels settled between “Little active” and “Nothing active”, not checking differences between genders. The child’s age affected positively the formal PA in academies and clubs and, negatively the informal practise. It has been verified that lower PA levels are associated with higher weight values. Portuguese children PA levels are well below the recommended, situation that worsened during the pandemic. In order to combat childhood inactivity and overweight, it is necessary to develop measures to promote PA early specially in situations of pandemic and/or confinement, in which PA reaches even lower levels.
Cristiana Mercê, Joana Vilar Pereira, Marco Branco, David Catela, and Rita Cordovil
Informa UK Limited
Cristiana Mercê, Rita Cordovil, David Catela, Flávia Galdino, Mafalda Bernardino, Mirjam Altenburg, Gonçalo António, Nancy Brígida, and Marco Branco
MDPI AG
The balance bike (BB) has been pointed out as being the most efficient learning bicycle due to its inherent stimulation of balance. However, the process of acquiring the control of balance on the BB has not been explored. This study aimed to: (i) categorize the cycle patterns of children on the BB, (ii) compare the cycle patterns in different stages of learning (before and after six sessions of a BB practice program), and (iii) verify whether velocity is a control parameter leading to transitions between different cycle patterns on a BB. The data were collected during the Learning to Cycle program from 12 children aged 6.06 ± 1.25 years. The velocity was measured using an inertial sensor. Seven different movement patterns were captured and categorized through video analysis. After practice, there was an increase in the mean number of different patterns and in the global mean and maximum velocity. These were interpreted as an improvement of the motor competence in the use of the BB. The results obtained support the hypothesis that velocity is a control parameter which leads to the emergence of diverse patterns of behavior. As the speed increased, the amount of foot contact with the ground became less frequent and the locomotor modes that imply that longer flight phases began to emerge.
Paulo Miranda-Oliveira, Marco Branco, and Orlando Fernandes
MDPI AG
In this study, we aimed to assess the countermovement jump (CMJ) using a developed instrument encompassing an off-the-shelf Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in order to analyze performance during the contraction phase, as well as to determine the jump height and the modified reactive strength index (RSImod), using force plate (FP) data as reference. Eight athletes (six males and two females) performed CMJs with the IMU placed on their fifth lumbar vertebra. Accuracy was measured through mean error (standard deviation), correlation, and comparison tests. The results indicated high accuracy, high correlation (r), and no statistical differences between the IMU and the FP for contraction time (r = 0.902; ρ < 0.001), negative impulse phase time (r = 0.773; ρ < 0.001), flight time (r = 0.737; ρ < 0.001), jump time (r = 0.708; ρ < 0.001), RSImod (r = 0.725; ρ < 0.001), nor minimum force (r = 0.758; ρ < 0.001). However, the values related to the positive impulse phase did not have the expected accuracy, as we used different devices and positions. Our results demonstrated that our developed instrument could be utilized to identify the contraction phase, jump height, RSImod, and minimum force in the negative impulse phase with high accuracy, obtaining a signal similar to that of an FP. This information can help coaches and athletes with training monitoring and control, as the device has simpler applicability making it more systematic.
Rita Cordovil, Cristiana Mercê, Marco Branco, Frederico Lopes, David Catela, Elina Hasanen, Arto Laukkanen, Patrizia Tortella, Guido Fumagalli, Cristina Sá,et al.
Frontiers Media SA
BackgroundLearning to cycle is an important milestone for children, but the popularity of cycling and the environmental factors that promote the development and practice of this foundational movement skill vary among cultures and across time. This present study aimed to investigate if country of residence and the generation in which a person was born influence the age at which people learn to cycle.MethodsData were collected through an online survey between November 2019 and December 2020. For this study, a total of 9,589 responses were obtained for adults (self-report) and children (parental report) living in 10 countries (Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Finland, Spain, Belgium, United Kingdom, Mexico, Croatia, and the Netherlands). Participants were grouped according to their year of birth with 20-year periods approximately corresponding to 3 generations: 1960–79 (generation X; n = 2,214); 1980–99 (generation Y; n = 3,994); 2000–2019 (generation Z; n = 3,381).ResultsA two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of country, F(9,8628) = 90.17, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.086, and generation, F(2,8628) = 47.21, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.122, on the age at which individuals learn to cycle. Countries with the lowest learning age were the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium and countries with the highest learning age were Brazil and Mexico. Furthermore, the age at which one learns to cycle has decreased across generations. There was also a significant country x generation interaction effect on learning age, F(18,8628) = 2.90, p &lt; 0.001; however, this effect was negligible (ηp2 = 0.006).ConclusionsThese findings support the socio-ecological perspective that learning to cycle is a process affected by both proximal and distal influences, including individual, environment and time.
Cristiana Mercê, Marco Branco, David Catela, Frederico Lopes, and Rita Cordovil
MDPI AG
Background: Learning to cycle is an important milestone in a child’s life, so it is important to allow them to explore cycling as soon as possible. The use of a bicycle with training wheels (BTW) for learning to cycling is an old approach practiced worldwide. Most recently, a new approach using the balance bike (BB) has received increased attention, and several entities believe that this could be most efficient. Drawing on the work of Bronfenbrenner (1995) and Newel (1986), this study aimed to analyse the effect of BB’s use on the learning process of cycling independently. Methods: Data were collected in Portugal from an online structured survey between November 2019 and June 2020. Results: A total of 2005 responses were obtained for adults and children (parental response). Results revealed that when the BB’s approach was used, learning age (LA) occurred earlier (M = 4.16 ± 1.34 years) than with the BTW’s approach (M = 5.97 ± 2.16 years) (p < 0.001); or than when there was only the single use of the traditional bicycle (M =7.27 ± 3.74 years) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Children who used the BB as the first bike had a significantly lower LA than children who did not use it (p < 0.001). To maximize its effects, the BB should be used in the beginning of the learning process.
Catarina Isabel Guerreiro Romão, Cristiana Isabel André Mercê, Jéssica Filipa Costa Cordeiro, António Manuel Vitória Vences de Brito, and Marco António Colaço Branco
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
ABSTRACT Low back pain is one of the most prevalent orthopedic conditions, affecting around 70% to 80% of the world’s population at least once during their life times. Surface electromyography is an important tool for assessing the muscle function of the lumbar stabilizers. One of the best treatment options for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is physical exercise, particular lyaerobic exercise and Pilates, as these can reduce short-term pain and disability, and improve balance. This review aims to identify the state of art regarding the benefits of pilates on the population with CLBP, evaluating changes in the muscular activation of the muscles of the lumbar region. Searches were conducted on the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebsco and Scielo; including gray literature: Google Scholar, Grey Literature, Pro Quest Dissertations & Theses. The inclusion criteria were adults with low back pain for three months or more, with or without referred pain in the lower limbs; studies that used electromyographic variables; studies with a pain assessment measure at two different times; studies with physical exercise performed only using the Pilates method. Applying these criteria, the searches retrieved 439 abstracts. Of these, 44 articles were evaluated for eligibility, and three fulfilled the qualitative and quantitative synthesis criteria. The average methodological quality score on the Downs and Black checklist was 15 out of 28. It was therefore concluded that Pilates is an excellent option for the treatment of non-specific low back pain, promoting health and helping prevent low back pain among asymptomatic individuals. Level of evidence II; Systematic Review of Level II or Level I Studies with Discrepant Results.
Marco Branco, Rita Santos-Rocha, Liliana Aguiar, Filomena Vieira, and António Prieto Veloso
Springer International Publishing
Cristiana Mercê, Marco Branco, David Catela, Frederico Lopes, Luis Paulo Rodrigues, and Rita Cordovil
MDPI AG
The present article aimed to verify whether the age at which children learn to ride a bicycle is related to their physical activity or birth order. Data were collected from an online structured survey between November 2019 and June 2020. A total of 8614 responses were obtained from 22 countries. The results reveal significant differences in learning age depending on the frequency of physical activity (F(5, 7235) = 35.12, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.24). People who engaged in physical activity less than twice a month learned to cycle later (M = 7.5 ± 5.3 years) than people who engaged in physical activity on a daily basis (M = 5.7 ± 2.2 years) (p < 0.001). There were also significant differences in learning age according to birth order (F(2, 3008) = 7.31, p = 0.00, ηp2 = 0.005). Only children had the highest learning age (M = 5.5 ± 2.4 years), whereas those who were born last had the lowest, (M = 5.1 ± 1.9 years) (p = 0.013). Creating opportunities for children to be engaged in play and physical activity and social modulation through their older siblings seem to be key conditions to encourage children to learn how to ride a bicycle from a young age and to foster their motor development.
Cristiana Mercê, Marco Branco, Mário Rodrigues-Ferreira, António VencesBrito, David Catela, Ana Paula Seabra, Vítor Milheiro, and Wojciech Cynarski
Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)
Systematic sport practice at younger ages positively influences body composition and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). On the other hand, its influence on maturation is still not consensual, and some studies claim a negative effect. Few studies have approached the differences in this influence according to different sport practices. The present study aims to analyse and compare the influence of karate and swimming practices, and the non-practice of sports, on body composition, VO2max and maturation in children and youth. Data were collected in 126 youth, 54 karate athletes, 36 swimming athletes and 36 participants with no sport practice (M=11.56±2.06 years). The type of sport practice had a different influence on body composition and VO2max, no negative influence was verified on maturation. In general, the sport practices revealed a positive influence in children and youth’s body composition. The karate practice provided significant lower body fat mass and higher lean mass in males. Swimming athletes revealed a significant higher VO2max compared to all other groups, while karate didn´t differed from no-practice group. The different influence of sport practices verified highlighted the importance of a multilateral development of children and youth by practising several sports. 
 Resumen: La práctica deportiva sistemática a edades más tempranas influye positivamente en la composición corporal y la absorción máxima de oxígeno (VO2max). Por otro lado, su influencia en la maduración aún no es consensuada, y algunos estudios afirman un efecto negativo. Pocos estudios se han acercado a las diferencias en esta influencia según las distintas prácticas deportivas. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar y comparar la influencia de las prácticas de kárate y natación, y la no práctica de deportes, sobre la composición corporal, el VO2máx y la maduración en niños y jóvenes. Los datos fueron recolectados en 126 jóvenes, 54 atletas de kárate, 36 atletas de natación y 36 participantes sin práctica deportiva (M = 11.56 ± 2.06 años). El tipo de práctica deportiva influyó de manera diferente en la composición corporal y el VO2max, no se verificó influencia negativa en la maduración. En general, las prácticas deportivas revelaron una influencia positiva en la composición corporal de niños y jóvenes. La práctica del karate proporcionó una masa grasa corporal significativamente más baja y una masa magra más alta en los hombres. Los atletas de natación revelaron un VO2max significativamente más alto en comparación con todos los demás grupos, mientras que el karate no difirió del grupo sin práctica. La diferente influencia de las prácticas deportivas verificada resaltó la importancia de un desarrollo multilateral de la niñez y la juventud a través de la práctica de varios deportes.
Paulo Miranda-Oliveira, Marco Branco, Orlando J. Fernandes, and Rita Santos-Rocha
Informa UK Limited
ABSTRACT The aims were: (1) to determine the accuracy and time-consuming of the automatic digitalization feature of 3D motion analysis systems; and (2) to determine the reliability of the 3D position when a football player performed a hard kick with spin. Four high-speed cameras (Casio ZR200 (512x384)) with a 240 Hz field rate were used. Automatic scanning of the Kinovea® and APAS® software was used. The accuracy was determined through mean absolute error, maximum absolute error, mean standard deviation of absolute error, and the variability values. The reliability was calculated with the Intra-Class Correlation. The mean absolute error (3.62 to 3.78 mm), maximum absolute error (9.09 to 11.61 mm), mean standard deviation of absolute error (0.01 to 0.59 mm), variability values (<1 mm), and the auto-digitalization time (16 to 31 minutes) were calculated and were within the values obtained in the literature. The reliability was determined with the Intra-Class Correlation, and the results were higher than 0.90, warrantied a high consistency for chosen software. The accuracy and the reliability intra-operator were determined, and the results indicated that it is possible to apply the free 3D camera system, with consistency in free-kick analysis.
Marco A. C. Branco, António M. V. VencesBrito, Mário A. Rodrigues-Ferreira, Gonçalo A. C. Branco, Ewa Polak, Wojciech J. Cynarski, and Wąsik Jacek
Hindawi Limited
With the life expectancy increasing, older adult population has gained the attention of many researchers. Aging is known to lead to a general decline in bodily functions, which affect the quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze how the aging process affects veteran active karate practitioners, in the kinematic and temporal structure of the frontal kick. Nine black belt karate practitioners over 50 years old and 24 black belt karate practitioners, aged between 20 and 30 years old, all male, performed the frontal kick mae-geri. Results showed that knee is the structure that holds most differences between young and veterans, both for linear and for angular variables during the mae-geri performance. Statistical differences were found in linear velocity for the knee; linear acceleration of the knee, hip, and RASIS; maximum angular velocity for knee and hip; maximum angular acceleration for ankle and hip; and in the range of motion of knee. The temporal variables show differences, between groups, in maximum linear velocity, maximum linear acceleration, and maximum angular acceleration. However, no differences were found between groups for the time before contact in the maximum linear and angular acceleration, which allow us to remark both the effects of the aging process and the effect of training. This study corroborates the ability of older people to achieve benefits from sports practice, achieving higher efficiency than the younger adults in task execution, but using different motor control strategies.
Fátima Ramalho, Rita Santos-Rocha, Marco Branco, Vera Moniz-Pereira, Helô-Isa André, António Veloso, and Filomena Carnide
Informa UK Limited
Background Gait ability in older adults has been associated with independent living, increased survival rates, fall prevention, and quality of life. There are inconsistent findings regarding the effects of exercise interventions in the maintenance of gait parameters. Objectives The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a community-based periodized exercise intervention on the improvement of gait parameters and functional fitness in an older adult group compared with a non-periodized program. Methods A quasi-experimental study with follow-up was performed in a periodized exercise group (N=15) and in a non-periodized exercise group (N=13). The primary outcomes were plantar pressure gait parameters, and the secondary outcomes were physical activity, aerobic endurance, lower limb strength, agility, and balance. These variables were recorded at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. Results Both programs were tailored to older adults’ functional fitness level and proved to be effective in reducing the age-related decline regarding functional fitness and gait parameters. Gait parameters were sensitive to both the exercise interventions. Conclusion These exercise protocols can be used by exercise professionals in prescribing community exercise programs, as well as by health professionals in promoting active aging.
LILIANA AGUIAR, CARLOS ANDRADE, MARCO BRANCO, RITA SANTOS-ROCHA, FILOMENA VIEIRA, and ANTÓNIO VELOSO
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Morphological changes are associated to pregnancy, such as weight gain and increased volume of the trunk. The soft tissue artifact can also increase with these characteristics and affect the real joint kinematics. The main objective of this study was to understand the effect of using three different constraining sets in the lower limb joints, in the amount of soft tissue artifact (STA) of pregnant women, in order to obtain the most appropriated joint set to be used in gait and in this population. The ankle, knee and hip joints were modeled respectively with the following characteristics: (1) Universal–revolute–spherical (URS), (2) spherical–revolute–spherical (SRS) and (3) spherical–spherical–spherical (SSS). The six degrees of freedom (6DOF) model was used as the basis for comparison and considered the one with the highest error associated to the STA. In pregnant women, the URS model seems to affect more the kinematic variables when compared with the 6DOF model. Assuming that the kinematic error associated with pregnant women is increased due to the STA, the URS model may be affecting more the angular kinematics of the knee joint. SSS model seems to be more appropriated to analyze gait in second trimester pregnant women.
MARCO BRANCO, RITA SANTOS-ROCHA, LILIANA AGUIAR, FILOMENA VIEIRA, and ANTÓNIO VELOSO
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Most of the anatomical changes related to the body of pregnant women occur between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The purposes of the study were to quantify the lower limb kinetics of gait and draw a comparison between women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and a nonpregnant group. Subjects and methods: A three-dimensional (3D) kinetic analysis of gait was performed in 24 pregnant and 12 nonpregnant women. Results: Between trimesters of pregnancy, a decrease in the third peak of vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the third trimester was observed. Most of the changes found between pregnant and nonpregnant women were in the sagittal plane for hip, knee and ankle moments, which report a decrease in mechanical load of the lower limb. In frontal plane a significant decrease in ankle joint moment was found, and in the transverse plane a significant increase in hip moment was found. Joints power decreases for hip and ankle power in sagittal and frontal plane, and increases for hip power in transverse plane. The function of propulsion and mobilization appears to be related to the different changes that occur between the right leg and left. Conclusion: These results suggest that adaptations regarding muscle participation occur first (second trimester), followed by adaptations in muscle power (third trimester). Understanding the biomechanical adaptations during pregnancy may provide more information about mechanical loads, which subsequently will be helpful for prescribing exercise and rehabilitation programs, as well as for the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.
Marco Branco, Rita Santos-Rocha, Filomena Vieira, Maria-Raquel Silva, Liliana Aguiar, and António P. Veloso
Hindawi Limited
Pregnancy leads to several changes in body composition and morphology of women. It is not clear whether the biomechanical changes occurring in this period are due exclusively to body composition and size or to other physiological factors. The purpose was to quantify the morphology and body composition of women throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period and identify the contribution of these parameters on the lower limb joints kinetic during gait. Eleven women were assessed longitudinally, regarding anthropometric, body composition, and kinetic parameters of gait. Body composition and body dimensions showed a significant increase during pregnancy and a decrease in the postpartum period. In the postpartum period, body composition was similar to the 1st trimester, except for triceps skinfold, total calf area, and body mass index, with higher results than at the beginning of pregnancy. Regression models were developed to predict women’s internal loading through anthropometric variables. Four models include variables associated with the amount of fat; four models include variables related to overall body weight; three models include fat-free mass; one model includes the shape of the trunk as a predictor variable. Changes in maternal body composition and morphology largely determine kinetic dynamics of the joints in pregnant women.
Marco Branco, R. Santos-Rocha, F. Vieira, L. Aguiar and A. Veloso
PURPOSE
The kinematic analysis of gait during pregnancy provides more information about the anatomical changes and contributes to exercise and rehabilitation prescription. The purposes were to describe and quantify the spatial, temporal and kinematic parameters in the joints of the lower limb during gait at the end of the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
METHODS
A three-dimensional analysis was performed in eleven pregnant women. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed for comparisons between periods.
RESULTS
The longitudinal effect of pregnancy was not observed in spatial and temporal parameters. In joint kinematics the effect of pregnancy was observed in all joints for the three planes of motion. The hip joint and pelvis are the structures with more changes, and the results point to an increase in the anterior tilt of the pelvis as the pregnancy progresses, as well as a decrease of the amplitudes of the hip joint. The results suggested that pregnant women need to maintain the stability of the body, and become more efficient in locomotion.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, the results retrieve the values from the beginning of pregnancy, indicating that the body was self-organized in order to overcome the morphological and physiological changes which women suffer during pregnancy, indicating that they have the ability to adapt depending on the demands, and after the effect of pregnancy is over, they return to values similar to those found in early pregnancy.
Liliana Aguiar, Rita Santos-Rocha, Filomena Vieira, Marco Branco, Carlos Andrade, and António Veloso
Elsevier BV
LILIANA AGUIAR, RITA SANTOS-ROCHA, MARCO BRANCO, FILOMENA VIEIRA, and ANTÓNIO VELOSO
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Walking is daily physical activity and a common way of exercise during pregnancy, but morphological changes can modify the gait pattern. Biomechanical models can help in evaluating joint mechanical loads and kinetics and kinematics during gait, and provide patterns. This study aimed to describe the gait pattern during the second trimester of pregnancy and give an orientation for biomechanical modeling for pregnant women. The ankle and hip joints seem to be more overloaded, mainly in the sagittal and frontal planes, respectively. Results show that pregnant women have a similar walking pattern to the normal gait. This model construction was revealed to be appropriate for describing gait during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Marco Branco, Rita Santos-Rocha, and Filomena Vieira
Hindawi Limited
Introduction. During pregnancy women experience several changes in the body’s physiology, morphology, and hormonal system. These changes may affect the balance and body stability and can cause discomfort and pain. The adaptations of the musculoskeletal system due to morphological changes during pregnancy are not fully understood. Few studies clarify the biomechanical changes of gait that occur during pregnancy and in postpartum period.Purposes. The purpose of this review was to analyze the available evidence on the biomechanical adaptations of gait that occur throughout pregnancy and in postpartum period, specifically with regard to the temporal, spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of gait.Methods. Three databases were searched and 9 studies with a follow-up design were retrieved for analysis.Results. Most studies performed temporal, spatial, and kinematic analysis. Only three studies performed kinetic analysis.Conclusion. The adaptation strategies to the anatomical and physiological changes throughout pregnancy are still unclear, particularly in a longitudinal perspective and regarding kinetic parameters.
Marco Branco, Rita Santos-Rocha, Liliana Aguiar, Filomena Vieira, and António Veloso
Hindawi Limited
The kinematic analysis of gait during pregnancy provides more information about the anatomical changes and contributes to exercise and rehabilitation prescription. The purposes were to quantify the lower limb kinematics of gait and to compare it between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and with a control group. A three-dimensional analysis was performed in twenty-two pregnant women and twelve nonpregnant. Repeated Measures and Manova tests were performed for comparisons between trimesters and between pregnant and controls. The walking speed, stride width, right-/left-step time, cycle time and time of support, and flight phases remain unchanged between trimesters and between pregnant and controls. Stride and right-/left-step lengths decreased between trimesters. Double limb support time increased between trimesters, and it increased when compared with controls. Joint kinematics showed a significant decrease of right-hip extension and adduction during stance phase between trimesters and when compared with controls. Also, an increase in left-knee flexion and a decrease in right-ankle plantarflexion were found between trimesters. The results suggested that pregnant women need to maintain greater stability of body and to become more efficient in locomotion. Further data from the beginning of pregnancy anthropometric data may contribute to the analysis.