Changes in segment mass and mass distribution during pregnancy

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the rates of change in the estimated masses and principal moments of inertia of the body segments during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Fifteen subjects, on average 15.1 weeks pregnant, were tested monthly until term. The body was modelled as 16 segments consisting of 2 cm stacked elliptical cylinders sectioned in the transverse plane. Linear regressions were fitted to the segment inertias and regression coefficients determined for the individual growth curves. The mean rate of increase for the lower trunk mass was 0.29 kg per week and 0.0069 kg m2 per week for the transverse axis principal moment. Differences between the means of the segments for rates of change of mass and the three principal moments were then tested. All four ANOVAs used to test the differences were significant. The post hoc analysis established that over the second and third trimesters the lower trunk inertias increased at a greater rate than all other segments and there were no significant differences between the remaining segments. The effect of such changes in the trunk segment masses and principal moments was illustrated by an analysis of intersegmental dynamics during a sit to stand of one pregnant subject whose lower trunk mass increased from 21.6 kg to 28.4 kg. A knowledge of the differences in an individual's segment inertias should lead to a better understanding of how movements are affected during pregnancy.